Fast Spicy Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

• 3 oranges (we like to add the orange flesh, too)
• 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine (or 1 T dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 3 teaspoons peanut oil, divided (or 3 T canola oil)
• 1 lb beef sirloin, trimmed and sliced against the grain into 1/8-inch-thick slices
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced (or 3/4T ground)
• 6-8 small dried red chilies
• 2 lbs broccoli, cut into small florets (6 cups)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1/2 cup green onion, sliced (scallions)

Directions

1. 1

   With a small knife carefully pare wide strips of zest from one of the oranges. Cut zest into 1-inch strips and set aside.

2. 2

   Squeeze juice from all the oranges into a small bowl (for about 3/4 cup).

3. 3

   Add soy sauce, rice wine (or sherry), cornstarch and sugar and stir to combine; set aside.

4. 4

   Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a wok or large skillet until almost smoking. Add beef and stir-fry just until no longer pink on the outside (1 min).

5. 5

   Transfer meat to a plate lined with paper towels.

6. 6

   Add the remaining oil and heat to very hot.

7. 7

   Add garlic, ginger, chiles and the reserved orange zest; stir-fry about 30 seconds.

8. 8

   Add broccoli and water. Cover and steam, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated and the broccoli sizzles (3 min).

9. 9

   Add bell pepper for 1 minute more. Then reduce heat to low.

10. 10

    Add the reserved orange sauce, bring to a boil until the sauce has thickened a bit.

11. 11

    Add scallion greens and the reserved beef. Tossing to heat through.