2 lbs. beef chuck
2 slices fresh ginger
2 tbsp. oil
2 c. water
1 1/2 c. soy sauce
2 cloves star anise
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. sherry

Do not cut beef. Crush ginger. Heat oil in a heavy pot; brown beef quickly. Add ginger, soy sauce, star anise, sugar and salt. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours, covered tightly. Baste occasionally. Add sherry and simmer 15 minutes more. Increase heat to medium and cook uncovered until most of the liquid is absorbed. Be careful not to burn meat. Slice and serve hot or cold.

VARIATION: One may use brown sugar instead of white sugar. In step 3, the addition of a 1 inch cinnamon stick will add a new dimension to the flavor.