Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 pound sirloin beef tips, sliced against the grain 1/8 inch thick
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 10 ounces frozen broccoli florets, thawed
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup water
  • Accompaniment: rice
  • Garnish: fresh cilantro sprigs
  • a well-seasoned 14-inch flat-bottomed wok

Method

  • Toss together cornstarch, salt, pepper, and beef in a bowl until meat is coated.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in wok over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then stir-fry beef until just cooked through, about 1 minute. Transfer with a slotted spoon to another bowl and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.
  • Add remaining tablespoon oil to wok along with broccoli and garlic and stir-fry over moderately high heat until broccoli is just tender and garlic is pale golden, about 2 minutes.
  • Add soy sauce and water and bring to a boil. Return meat to skillet and cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes.