Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

1/2 cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 Tablespoon firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 lbs top sirloin, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 medium heads broccoli
2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, cornstarch, dark brown sugar, garlic and pepper. Set aside.

Heat 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef and stir-fry until almost cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer beef to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Heat remaining oil in skillet. Add onion and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Cut broccoli into florets (should yield about 4 cups) and add to skillet with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

Return beef to skillet with soy sauce mixture; add ginger. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Makes 6 servings


Mix 'n' Match

For a different taste, use 1/2 cup black bean sauce instead of the soy sauce in Step 1. Top the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds.