Stir-Fried Beef Cake

Prep everything first: chop the aromatics, measure the black pepper elements, and pat the beef dry so it colours well.

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat and soften the onion and garlic until sweet and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Turn up the heat and add the beef. Stir-fry over the highest heat, keeping everything moving, until just cooked and glossy.

Stir in the brown sugar and the rest of the black pepper flavours, letting them cook out for a minute until fragrant.

Add the cherry tomatoes along with a splash of stock or water, then cook briskly until everything is tender and the sauce clings.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and a little acid. It should taste bright, savoury and balanced.

Finish with the topping and serve while hot.