Beef and Broccoli

When I first decided to try to make Beef and Broccoli at home a long time ago, I used to buy the powdered mix stuff at the grocery store. I was never really satisfied with the powdered stuff. Then I got into making dishes from scratch and came across all kinds of ways to make Beef and Broccoli. I have easy versions and some that require a little bit more. This version involves a few more steps. Its also a little bit more salty than my other beef and broccoli recipes, but I think its got more flavor to it too.

1 1/4 cup oil

3/4 pound lean beef, cut into strips

Marinade:
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (substitute rice wine if desired)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce:
4 tablespoon oyster sauce
4 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon water
2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into small pieces
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon sugar, or to taste

1) In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade, except the cornstarch. Stir in the meat to completely coat. Add cornstarch, using your fingers to rub the cornstarch into the meat. Marinate the beef for 30 minutes.

2) In another bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, water and cornstarch mixture and set aside.

3) Heat 1/2 cup oil in wok. Add the beef. Blanch the beef by letting it lay flat for 30 - 40 seconds, and then stirring to separate the pieces. Remove the beef when it changes color and is nearly cooked (the entire process takes 1 - 2 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of oil.

4) Add the crushed garlic to the wok and stir briefly to bring out the flavor. Add the broccoli, salt and sugar, and stir fry briefly, turning down the heat to prevent burning. Add 1/2 cup water. Cook for 4 - 5 minutes, or until broccoli is bright green and is tender but still crisp. Drain all the liquids.

5) Add 2 more tablespoons oil to the wok. Once oil has been heated, add the beef and the sauce and stir quickly to thicken. Cook for another minute and serve hot over steamed white rice.