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20-Minute Beef and Broccoli

Tender velveted beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a glossy garlic-ginger sauce — a fast weeknight stir-fry that beats takeout.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the beef
  • 1 lb flank steak sliced thin against the grain
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 1 lb broccoli florets about 6 cups
For the sauce
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce until every piece is lightly coated. Let it sit while you prep everything else — this is the velveting step that keeps it tender.
  2. Whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl, making sure the cornstarch fully dissolves. Set it next to the stove.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and steam 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Add another tablespoon of oil to the empty pan. Sear half the beef in a single layer, undisturbed, for 1 minute, then toss for 30 seconds more. Remove and repeat with the remaining oil and beef.
  5. Return all the beef and the broccoli to the pan. Give the sauce a quick whisk and pour it in.
  6. Toss constantly for 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce bubbles and thickens into a glossy coating. Serve immediately over rice.