Ingredients
— The Beef & Marinade —
1 lb (450g) flank steak or top sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
— The Stir Fry —
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
— The Sauce —
½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
3 tablespoons oyster sauce (the secret to the savory flavor)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Beef:** Slice the steak very thinly **against the grain**. In a medium bowl, toss the beef slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon oil. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies.
2. **Make the Sauce:** In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the beef broth, oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. **Blanch the Broccoli:** Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 1–2 minutes until bright green. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. (This keeps it crisp!).
4. **Sear the Beef:** Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and crispy on the edges. (Do this in two batches if your pan is small).
5. **Aromatics:** Push the cooked beef to the side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the center and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. **Combine:** Add the blanched broccoli to the pan. Toss everything together.
7. **Sauce & Serve:** Give the sauce mixture a quick whisk and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Toss constantly for 1–2 minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken into a glossy glaze coating the ingredients.
8. Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice.
Notes
Slicing Tip: To get super thin slices of beef, freeze the steak for 20 minutes before cutting. Always cut perpendicular to the muscle fibers (against the grain) for maximum tenderness.
Broccoli Texture: Blanching the broccoli separately ensures it stays vibrant and crunchy. If you cook it in the sauce the whole time, it can turn mushy and dull.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it bubble for another minute.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American