Description
A classic Chinese stir-fry featuring tender flank steak and crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory sauce of soy, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balanced combination of protein and vegetables with authentic Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
Sauce and Cooking Oils
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Stir well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add sesame oil and let it heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, cooking them until tender yet still crisp to maintain their bright color and texture.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together beef broth, rice wine or dry sherry, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture over the broccoli in the pan to create a flavorful base.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked beef to the pan and stir everything together. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the beef to heat through. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot, ideally over steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli to keep its crunch and nutrients intact.
- Marinating the beef helps to tenderize it and infuse flavor.
- Adjust sugar and seasoning to taste based on preference for sweetness and saltiness.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
- You can substitute flank steak with other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak if preferred.
