Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stirfry

This is a quick week-night dinner and a great use for left over steak.  We like it and it is a hit with the kids, so it is win-win for us.  I think I found this recipe ages ago on www.cooks.com but, as usual, I've changed a few things here and there to suit our preferences.  You could use a pre-packaged raw broccoli mix or even frozen if you had to, but fresh is always best!  I've also written the recipe so you can use raw or left over steak.

Stir-fry ingredients:

1 bag mixed broccoli and stir-fry vegetables OR

1 pound broccoli, cut into florets with any stems cut into small pieces and 

1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped into thin slices

3/4 pound left over flank steak, cut against the grain into thin slices OR

3/4 lb. raw boneless sirloin, cut across the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices

1 can sliced water chestnuts 

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix soy sauce, sugar and salt in a small bowl. Pour over meat and allow to marinate for approximately 15 minutes.

Stir-fry Sauce:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon garlic puree
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons sesame oil

1/4 cup water

While beef is marinating, mix all above ingredients in a metal bowl with a whisk and set aside.

Directions:

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable or neutral oil in a large skillet or walk over medium high heat.  When hot add carrots and stir for about 3-5 minutes or until carrots start to soften.  Add in broccoli, and continue to stir-fry.  Add in half of the water to steam-fry the veggies.  When it has evaporated, add in the remaining water.  Once evaporated again, add in beef and toss.  Pour stir fry sauce over mixture and toss well.  The cornstarch should cause the sauce to thicken quickly and coat the meat and veggies.  Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes.

Serve with steamed rice.