Quick Beef with Broccoli

Who needs takeout? You can make tender sirloin beef tips and broccoli in a velvety soy glaze just as fast yourself.

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2. 1/4 teaspoon salt
3. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4. 3/4 pound sirloin beef tips, sliced against the grain 1/8 inch thick
5. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
6. 10 ounces frozen broccoli florets, thawed
7. 3 garlic cloves, chopped
8. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
9. 1/3 cup water
10. Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish

Directions

1. Toss together cornstarch, salt, pepper, and beef in a bowl until meat is coated.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Add soy sauce and water and bring to a boil. Return meat to skillet and cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes.

Notes

Thaw broccoli, covered, in a microwave-safe container in a microwave oven 2 to 3 minutes.