Five-Flavor Beef Shank

My grandfather is an odd eater. I never saw him eat a full meal when I was a kid; he just snacked. I’d get home from school and he’d be watching his Beijing soap operas, fixing himself a glass of baijiu, a plate of salted peanuts, and thin slices of this marinated beef. This is our version of charcuterie, a cold cut with less fat and salt. My grandfather would dip a delicate slice of beef into a garlicky, spicy dip, savor the flavor bomb with a little vinegar bite, and then wash it a