An easy weeknight beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe you'll make again and again

$42.50. That was the grand total for the last dinner I ordered using one of my favorite food apps. Granted, that fed two. And, hungry, I had impulsively added an appetizer that, in retrospect, I really didn't want.

That price tag made me stop short. Once again, I had shelled out serious money for so-so food that I could have easily made at home.

I love a good multistep cooking challenge - on a weekend, when I have no pressing errands. During the week? I want a recipe with no tricks up its sleeve.

Still, satisfying a weeknight takeout craving with an easy version of that dish can be a tall order. Quick-version recipes often fall flat, with too few ingredients, or they call for convenience products that drive up the cost and add unwanted sodium and sugar.

That's where this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe steps in. It is as straightforward as its name implies. The ingredients are easy to find. (I had most of the staples on hand but had to shop for the flank steak, broccoli, scallions and ginger.)

And, like most stir-fry recipes, it is adaptable. Don't eat beef? Substitute in bite-size pieces of chicken or firm tofu cubes. Have frozen snow peas in the freezer? Add those in place of the carrots.

One reason we like it is that it's healthier. Our Americanized versions of Chinese food can be calorie-packed with added sugar, sodium and carbs. The Eating Well editors say this version has about half of the calories of typical takeout beef and broccoli. (Another bonus of skipping the ordering app: I can't add those tempting fried egg rolls with a click.)

The original recipe included 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar. I reduced that to 1 tablespoon, but urge you to keep that bit of sugar in the mix. It caramelizes in the hot pan, complementing the ginger and garlic with a hint of sweetness that makes it all so yummy.

A few notes:

• If you love the fresh bite of ginger as much as I do, make it just as it is described below. If you don't, cut the ginger to 2 teaspoons or even 1.

• Keep the sodium down by using low-salt soy sauce and broth. Or use water rather than broth.

• I make this stir-fry with a bit of olive oil in large nonstick skillet, but use a high-smoke-point oil, such as grapeseed, if you prefer.

This version makes just enough sauce to coat the al dente vegetables and protein, so usually we eat it in a bowl with no rice. If you want to keep the carbs down, try serving the stir-fry over steamed riced cauliflower. By cutting the sugar and the carbs, this recipe, which serves four, comes in at about 360 calories per serving.

BEEF AND BROCCOLI STIR-FRY

SERVINGS: 4
ACTIVE: 30 minutes

This 30-minute supper results in a healthier version of the popular takeout dish.

Ingriedients

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  
• 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
  
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  
• 1 pound flank steak
  
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  
• 1/2 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  
• 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
  
• 1 medium carrot, cut into 1-inch matchsticks (about 1/2 cup)
  
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (about 3 to 4), plus more for garnish
  
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
  
• Cooked brown rice or steamed riced cauliflower (optional)
  
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Steps

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, broth or water, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and the brown sugar until combined.

Cut the flank steak with the grain into 2-inch-wide pieces, then slice against the grain into 1/8-inch-thick strips. Place the steak on a large plate and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss to coat.

In a large flat-bottomed wok, or nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil until shimmering but not smoking. Add the steak and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer the steak to a plate.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat until just smoking. Add the onion, broccoli and carrot to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens and broccoli and carrot are slightly tender, about 3 minutes.

Stir in the scallions, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring, just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk the soy sauce mixture again. Reduce the heat to medium and add the soy mixture and beef to the pan. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.

Serve over cooked brown rice or with steamed riced cauliflower and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional scallions, if desired.

Storage: Store the cooled stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition | Calories: 360; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Trans Fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 75 mg; Sodium: 170 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 7 g; Protein: 28 g.

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