Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak (sliced thinly, against the grain (skirt steak or ribeye also work))
• 1 lb broccoli (cut into florets)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for beef marinade)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for beef marinade)
• 0.5 tbsp sesame oil (for beef marinade)
• 0.5 tsp baking soda (for tenderizing (velveting))
• 3 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (freshly grated)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
• sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• 0.333 cup water (for sauce)
• 1.5 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp regular soy sauce (light soy sauce also works)
• 2 tsp sesame oil (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (for sauce)

Steps

1. 1

   Put a pot of water on the stove to boil.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, add the sliced beef and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix well to coat.

3. 3

   Once the beef is coated in cornstarch, add in 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix again and set aside to tenderize.

4. 4

   Once the water is boiling, add in the broccoli florets. Boil for exactly 45 seconds.

5. 5

   Remove the broccoli from the boiling water immediately and run it through cold water to stop the cooking process.

6. 6

   In a separate bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 1/3 cup water, 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar.

7. 7

   In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

8. 8

   Add the beef to the skillet. Sauté for a couple of minutes.

9. 9

   Add some ground black pepper, the minced garlic, and the grated ginger to the beef.

10. 10

    Continue to mix and sauté for another five minutes, or until the beef starts to brown and is cooked through.

11. 11

    Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well.

12. 12

    Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Mix for another two minutes until the sauce has fully coated the broccoli and has thickened to a glossy consistency.

13. 13

    Top with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

The technique of adding baking soda to the beef is called 'velveting'; it tenderizes the meat for a restaurant-style texture. Serve over steamed white or brown rice.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• stir-fry
• takeout-style
• high-protein
• quick-meal