Authentic Beef With Chinese Broccoli

Directions

1. Wash the broccoli well in cool water, separating the leaves and tender hearts and the stalks. Peel the thicker stalks, if necessary. Set aside.
2. Make the marinade: Mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, and wine in a bowl. Slice the beef across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick pcs, each about 1 1/2 inches long. Combine with the marinade and let stand at least 10 min.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a wok and stir-fry the broccoli stalks, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then add in the leaves and hearts and stir-fry another 30 seconds, tossing frequently. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
4. Return wok to the heat and add in the remaining 2 Tbsp. oil. Over medium-high heat, stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and scallion for 30 seconds, or possibly till aromatic. Add in the beef and stir-fry till browned, tossing frequently. Add in the soy sauce, stock, brandy, and sugar, then the broccoli, tossing to blend and heating the broccoli. Turn off heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve.
5. This recipe yields 2 to 4 servings.
6. Comments: Although beef with broccoli appears on most North American Chinese restaurant menus, very few customers have tasted the authentic dish. You must use Chinese broccoli (gai lan). Chinese broccoli has tiny white flowers on the central stalk, so the dish does not even look like the run-of-the-mill take-out beef with broccoli !