Sesame Beef and Broccoli

• 1 lb. beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
• 1 one-inch knob fresh peeled ginger, grated or sliced
• 1.5 cups of uncooked white rice or brown rice, (or a bag of cauliflower rice)
• thinly sliced green onions for serving
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (sub coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon sambal oelek
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (sub white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. 1Freeze beef for 30 minutes – 1 hour for easier slicing. Slice against the grain, into very thin strips. Toss the beef strips with a generous pinch of coarse salt and let it rest while you prep everything else.
2. 2Whisk the sauce ingredients together.
3. 3Cook your rice according to package directions.
4. 4Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add a swish of oil. Working in batches, add the beef in a single layer. Let rest, undisturbed, for a minute or two to achieve a nice browning on the meat. Flip each piece over and cook until browned and yummy. Remove beef from pan.
5. 5Add a swish of oil to the same pan. Add the broccoli; stir fry for 2-3 minutes, until bright green. (Sometimes I add a splash of water to steam it a little bit.) Remove broccoli from pan.
6. 6Turn the heat down and let the pan cool a bit. Add one last swish of oil. Add the ginger and garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the sauce; stir until a thickened and sticky sauce forms. Add beef and broccoli back in. Toss gently to coat.