Beef with Broccoli Stir-fry

Ingredients

 * ¾ pound lean beef

Marinade

 * 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (substitute rice wine if desired)
 * 1 teaspoon sugar
 * 1 teaspoon soy sauce
 * 1 tablespoon water
 * 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce

 * 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
 * 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
 * 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
 * 1 tablespoon water

Thickener

 * 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
 * 1 pound fresh broccoli
 * 2 garlic cloves

To cook broccoli

 * ½ cup water
 * ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
 * ½ teaspoon sugar, or to taste

Other

 * 1¼ cups oil, or as needed

Directions

 * 1) Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices.
 * 2) Add the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last (use your fingers to rub it in).
 * 3) Marinate the beef for 30 minutes.
 * 4) While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables: for the sauce, mix together the oyster sauce, light soy, dark soy, and water in a small bowl and set aside.
 * 5) In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water thickener and set aside.
 * 6) Wash and drain the broccoli.
 * 7) Cut the stalk diagonally into thin slices.
 * 8) Cut the flowerets into 3 or 4 pieces.
 * 9) Crush the garlic.
 * 10) Heat the wok and add 1 cup oil.
 * 11) When the oil is medium-hot (between 300 and 325°F, add the beef.
 * 12) Blanch the beef by letting it lay flat for 30 – 40 seconds, and then stirring to separate the pieces.
 * 13) Remove the beef when it changes color and is nearly cooked (the entire process takes 1 – 2 minutes).
 * 14) Remove the beef from the wok and drain on paper towels.
 * 15) Clean out the wok with paper towels.
 * 16) Add 2 tablespoons oil to the wok.
 * 17) When the oil is hot, add the crushed garlic and stir fry briefly until aromatic.
 * 18) Add the broccoli, sprinkle the salt and sugar over, and stir fry briefly, turning down the heat if necessary to make sure it doesn't burn.
 * 19) Add the ½ cup water, and cook the broccoli, covered, for 4 – 5 minutes, until it turns a bright green and is tender but still crisp.
 * 20) Remove from the wok and drain.
 * 21) Clean out the wok and add 2 more tablespoons oil.
 * 22) Add the vegetables and the beef.
 * 23) Add the sauce and cornstarch mixture in the middle of the wok and stir quickly to thicken.
 * 24) Mix everything together and serve hot over steamed rice.