Sukiyaki

Directions

1. 1
   Cook pasta al dente and set aside.
2. 2
   Heat a large, non-stick frying pan to moderately high heat.
3. 3
   Add the oil, and sprinkle sugar into the pan.
4. 4
   let sit until sugar turns light brown; about a minute.
5. 5
   Add the beef in batches, turning once, cook quickly til just done.
6. 6
   Do not crowd the pan.
7. 7
   This should be maybe four batches, depending on your skillet and flame.
8. 8
   The sugar should glaze the beef.
9. 9
   If the pan gets too hot, the sugar will burn, turn it down a bit if needed.
10. 10
    Set cooked beef aside.
11. 11
    Add green onions to the pan and cook until browned a bit.
12. 12
    In your pasta cooking pot, combine pasta, beef, veggies except spinach, liquid ingredients, and tofu.
13. 13
    (I deglaze the skillet used for beef and scallions with the liquid quickly before adding it to the pot - so much flavor!)
14. 14
    Simmer until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes, then add spinach for just 30 seconds to wilt.