Simple Broccoli Beef

 I like to cook Asian food and there are many ways to fix this family favorite. On a lazy evening, this is my go-to recipe for a fast, relatively easy meal.





Broccoli Beef
1 pound of fresh broccoli
1/2 pound thinly sliced beef
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
vegetable oil as needed
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Dash salt
2-3 teaspoons brandy

Cut the broccoli into large, bite-sized pieces. Steam or boil until they are almost done, about two minutes. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, drain and set aside.

Toss the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and pepper.

In a wok or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add beef and stir-fry to the doneness you prefer usually about two minutes. Remove from the pan

Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to your cooking pan or wok and return to heat. Add the ginger and cook for two seconds to bring out the scent. Add broccoli, sugar, salt, brandy, and two tablespoons of water. Stir and cook until the water is just about gone. Return meat to the pan, toss with broccoli to heat and serve.

Jasmine rice goes great with this. I've also served it with angel hair pasta with good results. If you are into Asian foodstuffs, there are a variety of long noodles that would work with this, too.