Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce, divided
• 1 1/2 Tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch, divided
• 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or light olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, white and light green portion
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 4 cups small broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup water
• Sesame seeds and or red pepper flakes, for serving, optional

Directions

1. Slice the flank steak with the grain into 2-inch-wide sections, then cut those sections across the grain into thin 1/4-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk 1 Tbsp soy sauce with 1 tsp cornstarch, add the steak, and toss to coat. Set it aside for 15 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
2. In another mixing bowl, whisk 2 Tbsp soy sauce with 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Add the chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then stir everything together and keep it nearby.
3. Warm 1 Tbsp oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Add half of the beef to the skillet in a spread-out layer and cook until the underside is browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Turn the pieces and brown the other side, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes more. Move the cooked beef to a plate, keeping the oil in the skillet, and add a touch more oil if the pan needs it. Cook the remaining half of the steak the same way.
4. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the green onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and water, lower the heat a bit, cover the pan, and steam until the broccoli is tender-crisp, tossing now and then, about 4 – 5 minutes.
5. Whisk the soy sauce mixture again, then pour it into the skillet. Cook, tossing as it thickens, about 1 minute. Don’t let it go much longer, or the broccoli can release extra moisture and loosen the sauce.
6. Return the steak to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a little more soy sauce if you think it needs it. Serve warm over rice if desired, with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes.