Thai Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry


Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

* SERVES 2
* 3/4 lb. (.350 kg) beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced into strips
* 3 Tbsp. soy sauce mixed with 1 tsp. sugar
* 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
* 1 large head broccoli (or 2 small), chopped into florets, including stems
* optional: 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* optional: 1 red chili, thinly sliced
* 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
* 2 Tbsp. fresh ginger

* STIR FRY SAUCE:
* 1 1/2 Tbsp. fish sauce
* 1 tsp. cornstarch
* 3 Tbsp. dry sherry (or Chinese Shaohsing wine)
* 2 Tbsp. oyster flavored sauce (I use Kikkoman brand)
* 1 Tbsp lime juice (any more, add by taste)
* 3 cloves garlic, crushed
* 1+1/2 tsp. sugar
* 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 Tbsp. fresh coriander leaves and stems, finely chopped (this can be left out if not liked)

* OTHER:
* 2 tsp. sesame oil
* extra handful of fresh coriander (for garnish)
* 1-2 Tbsp. oil for stir-frying

Preparation:

1. Place the beef steak in a plastic bag, trimmed of all fat. Bash the steak with either: a rolling pin, meat tenderiser, large mug, jug or heavy utensil. You want the meat to be thin. Slice into thin longish strips. Set aside.
2. Pour the soy sauce and sugar mixture over the strips of beef. Season with the ground black pepper and stir well. Set beef aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Place the fish sauce in a cup or small bowl. Add the cornstarch and stir until it dissolves. Now add all the other stir-fry sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Place a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1Tbsp. oil plus the onion, ginger, and fresh chilli (if using). Stir-fry briefly to release the fragrance (about 1 minute).
5. Add the beef together with its soy sauce marinade. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes, or until beef is just cooked. If your wok becomes dry, add a Tbsp. of water. Remove beef and onions to a bowl.
6. Add the broccoli plus the red bell pepper (if using) to the wok. Also add the stir-fry sauce plus 1/4 cup water.
7. Stir-fry until broccoli turns bright green and has softened slightly but is still fairly firm - about 2 minutes. Add the beef, spices and onions back to the wok.
8. Remove from heat and do a taste test. If too salty for your taste, add a little more lime juice. If not salty enough, add a little more fish sauce. If not spicy enough, add a little more cayenne pepper.
9. Drizzle the sesame oil over and serve immediately with generous sprinklings of fresh coriander.

Great with thai rice or brown rice.