Barbecued Beef

Directions

1. 1
   Using a very sharp knife, cut the beef into very thin slices, each about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide.
2. 2
   Place them in a large nonreactive bowl and set aside.
3. 3
   In another bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, sugar, sake, scallion, garlic and sesame oil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. 4
   Pour the mixture over the meat and set aside to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. 5
   When ready to cook, prepare a charcoal or table-top grill with a fairly fine grill surface.
6. 6
   When very hot, remove the meat from the marinade and discard the marinade.
7. 7
   Grill the meat until nicely browned, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
8. 8
   (Alternatively, preheat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat and cook the meat slices a few at a time, turning once, until browned.)
9. 9
   Transfer to a warmed platter.
10. 10
    Place soybean paste, hot peppers and garlic in separate bowls and place lettuce leaves on a plate.
11. 11
    Serve with rice and side dishes (recipes follow).
12. 12
    To eat, top a lettuce leaf with a piece of meat and your choice of garnishes or side dishes, fold the leaf over the filling and eat with your fingers.