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Skillet of beef and broccoli in glossy sauce topped with sesame seeds and green onions, served with rice

Beef and Broccoli With Tender Steak and a Glossy Sauce

Tender flank steak and bright broccoli in a glossy garlic ginger sauce, cooked in one skillet in 15 minutes at the stove.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 About 1 1/2 cups
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

For the beef:
  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak sirloin or flat iron also work
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
For the sauce:
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For the stir-fry:
  • 1 pound broccoli florets about 5 cups (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil divided
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup water

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet or 14-inch wok
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Tight-fitting lid
  • Small mixing bowl and whisk
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Optional: freeze the flank steak for 15 to 20 minutes, until firm but not solid.
  2. Slice the steak across the grain into 1/4-inch strips about 2 inches long.
  3. Toss the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water. Rest 15 minutes at room temperature, until each slice looks lightly coated.
  4. While the beef rests, cut the broccoli into florets, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Whisk the broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  5. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, until a drop of water skips across the surface. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil and swirl until it shimmers.
  6. Add half the beef in a single layer. Sear 1 to 1 1/2 minutes without moving, flip, and cook 1 minute more, until both sides are browned. Move to a plate.
  7. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and the remaining beef, until browned on both sides.
  8. Add the last tablespoon of oil and the broccoli to the pan. Stir 1 minute, until the florets turn brighter green.
  9. Pour in 1/4 cup water and cover. Steam 2 to 3 minutes, until a fork pierces the stems with slight resistance.
  10. Uncover, push the broccoli to the edges, and add the garlic and ginger to the center. Stir 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  11. Whisk the sauce again and pour it in. Bubble 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  12. Return the beef and its juices to the pan and top with green onions and sesame seeds. Toss 1 minute, until every piece is coated and the thickest slice reads 145°F.

Notes

Storage: refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days, or freeze in flat freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat to 165°F.
Nutrition values do not include rice.
For gluten free, use tamari and a gluten free oyster sauce.