Prep the beef and broccoli – I start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This small step makes a big difference in how tender the beef turns out. Then I cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets so they cook evenly and stay crisp.

Mix the sauce – In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and a splash of water or broth. I set it aside so it’s ready to go once the beef is cooked.

Cook the broccoli – I heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly stir-fry the broccoli for about two to three minutes. Once it turns bright green and is just tender, I remove it from the pan.

Sear the beef – I add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet and lay the beef slices in a single layer. I let them sear for two to three minutes until browned but still tender.

Bring it all together – I return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stirring constantly, I watch as the sauce thickens and coats everything in just a couple of minutes.

Serve and enjoy – I plate it up right away over warm rice or noodles, sometimes adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor.