Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Instructions

1. Slice the beef, against the grain, into very thin ⅛" strips. Place the meat in a medium size bowl or in a large zipclose bag, sprinkle with cornstarch, and add the soy sauce. Stir or seal the bag and press to coat. Let the meat rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour. Stir together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Heat about 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is rippling hot, add about half of the beef strips. Spread across the skillet and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Stir or toss with tongs and spread across the skillet again. Cook 1 more minute.
3. Be careful not to overcook the meat, it should be just barely cooked through and still very tender. Carefully transfer the meat to a plate next to the stove. Drain any extra liquid and add another 2 teaspoons of oil to the hot skillet. Repeat the above steps with the remaining meat. Transfer the last of the cooked meat and any pan juices to the plate.
4. Add the last 2 teaspoons of oil to the hot skillet and add the broccoli. Toss to coat, then add the water and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium and let the broccoli steam for 2 minutes.
5. Uncover and push the broccoli to the sides of the skillet. Pour the sauce into the center of the skillet and let it begin to heat for about a minute, until it is fragrant. Stir to coat the broccoli and simmer for a couple of minutes.
6. Add the meat back to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring and tossing occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is evenly coating all the meat and vegetables. Serve by itself or over rice.