Rice-Powder Steamed Beef

This is a marvelous Szechuan specialty. The tender meat is fluffily coated by a marinade-seasoned toasted rice powder. It is a subtly spicy dish. Unfortunately, rice powder is hard to get and is often rancid, but cream-of-rice cereal makes an excellent substitute. Serves 2 with a crisp salad and light vegetable, such as Stir-fried Celery, Spinach, or Chinese Cabbage. It also makes an excellent appetizer in a chafing dish, from which people may help themselves with toothpicks.<