Curried Beef Stir-Fry

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 garlic cloves -- minced

1 tablespoon minced gingerroot or 1 tsp ground ginger

4 tablespoons vegetable oil -- divided

1 pound boneless sirloin steak, cut into 1/8-inch

strips 1 large onion -- cut in 1" pieces

1 medium green pepper -- cut in 1" pieces

1 medium sweet red peppers -- cut in 1" pieces

2 large celery ribs -- sliced

1 cup cold water

5 teaspoons cornstarch

1 to 2 tsp curry powder

Hot cooked rice or noodles

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger and 2 Tbsp oil. Add beef; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. In a large skillet or wok, heat remaining oil. Stir-fry beef over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove beef and set aside. In the same skillet, stir-fry the onion for 1 minute; add peppers and celery. Stir-fry for 2 minutes; return beef to the skillet. Combine water, cornstarch and curry powder until smooth; add to skillet. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Serve over rice or noodles.

YIELD: 4 servings