Beef & Broccoli with Garlic Sauce (from scratch)

~ 1lb, your choice of beef, I buy pre-cubed stew meat because it is easy, lean and inexpensive, but round steak sliced into strips also works very well.

Marinade:
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup Bragg Liquid Amino or Soy sauce
(This can be changed based on personal taste/needs.)
4 Tbs packed Light Brown Sugar
1 .5 tbs (about) Vinegar or Rice Wine Vinegar
1-2 tbs Cornstarch
1/4 tsp red pepper flake
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 crushed cloves Garlic
(Marinate at least 30 min)

* It does not matter what veggies you use, I've tried broccoli, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, etc.

You will need to adjust all of this to your personal taste, Make sure you use at LEAST 1 tbs of cornstarch or else it will come out like soup!

* Marinate the meat for at least 30 min.
* Remove from marinade and place on hot wok or skillet, save the marinade! It will be a main contributor to the sauce.
* Brown the meat very briefly, (you can use a tbs or two of oil for this step depending on your dietary needs.)
* Add vegetables and remaining 1/4 cup of water.
* Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes.

NOW THE IMPORTANT PART!

It is up to you whether you want to strain the marinade, I always do because my boyfriend isn't fond of ginger, but obviously if you don't the flavor will be much stronger.

Now pour the marinade over the veggies and meat in the pan. Turn to Med-High heat, allow the sauce to simmer until it reaches desired thickness! If it doesn't seem to be getting there, mix another tbs of cornstarch w/ 3 tbs cold water and add to the mixture.

This is the most important step because you need to allow it to cook long enough in order to concentrate the flavor ;)


Number of Servings: 2

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user THINNERMEPLZ.