Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Flank Steak with Broccoli and Savory Oyster Sauce?
It is a savory Chinese classic featuring tender marinated flank steak, crisp broccoli, and a rich sauce made from oyster sauce and soy sauce.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 lb of flank steak, which should be sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How long should the flank steak be marinated?
The beef should be marinated in soy sauce for a minimum of 10 minutes or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This stir-fry recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the ingredients in the savory oyster sauce?
The sauce is made from a blend of dry sherry, low sodium chicken broth, oyster sauce, light brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
Can I substitute the peanut oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute for peanut oil if preferred.
How do you cook the broccoli so it remains tender-crisp?
The broccoli is first stir-fried for 30 seconds and then steamed with water in a covered skillet for about 2 minutes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 15.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 18.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving in this dish.
What is the fat content for this stir-fry?
The dish contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
Yes, it uses a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced to about 1 tablespoon.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 6 medium garlic cloves, minced.
What type of pan is recommended for cooking?
A 12-inch nonstick skillet is recommended to properly sear the beef and vegetables.
Why do I need to sear the beef in two batches?
Searing in batches ensures the skillet stays hot enough to brown the meat quickly without it steaming in its own juices.
When should the red bell peppers be added?
The diced red bell peppers are added to the skillet after the broccoli is cooked and removed, then stir-fried until slightly browned.
How should the scallions be prepared for garnish?
Three medium scallions should be sliced 1/2 inch thick on a diagonal.
What is the role of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener, helping the sauce reach the right consistency to evenly coat the beef and broccoli.
Should I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using 2 tablespoons of low sodium chicken broth.
How do I ensure the steak is easy to chew?
Make sure to slice the flank steak against the grain before marinating.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, the recipe involves quick stir-frying steps and a short marination time, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
What vegetables are included besides broccoli?
The recipe also includes one small cored, seeded, and diced red bell pepper.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar in the sauce mixture.
What does dry sherry add to the dish?
Dry sherry provides a subtle acidity and complexity that enhances the savory oyster sauce.
How are the garlic and ginger added to the skillet?
They are mashed in the center of the skillet with a spoon for 15-20 seconds until fragrant before being mixed with the peppers.
Should I keep the marinade liquid?
No, you should drain the beef and discard the soy sauce marinade liquid before cooking.
How hot should the skillet be when adding the beef?
The skillet should be heated over high heat until it is smoking.
How long does the final thickening of the sauce take?
Once the sauce is poured in, it should be stirred constantly for about 30 seconds until it thickens.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was created from the 'Inside America's Test Kitchen' cookbook.
What are the recommended serving options?
It is best served immediately over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.