Secret to seasoned filet mignon is barely cooking

A: Nam, an upscale Vietnamese restaurant, has quickly made a name for itself in the Atlanta dining scene. Owner Alex Kinjo gladly provides the recipe for the Shaken Beef, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Ultra-tender cubes of filet mignon are marinated in seasonings and quickly stir-fried or “shaken” until just barely cooked. The meat is served with fresh lime, ground black pepper and salt for diners to season to their own taste.

Nam’s Shaken Beef

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 pound filet mignon, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, black pepper and sugar. Add filet mignon and toss to coat. Marinate for 10 minutes.

In a large skillet over high heat, add oil. When skillet is very hot, add beef and marinade and saute or shake for 1 to 2 minutes, turning the meat to quickly cook the outside but barely cook the inside. Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 343 calories (percent of calories from fat, 75), 20 grams protein, 1 gram carbohydrates, trace fiber, 28 grams fat (11 grams saturated), 80 milligrams cholesterol, 149 milligrams sodium.