Hot Honey Beef and Broccoli

You can have this version of beef and broccoli on the table in no time. Chili flakes and honey add the perfect amount of sweet heat (or omit the flakes altogether for a less spicy version).

The key to perfectly seared beef is to cook the meat in small batches in a pan with a wide surface area, like a Le Creuset Cassadou – if you add too many pieces to the pan at one time, the beef will steam rather than getting a caramelized, crispy crust.

1. Begin by preparing the steamed rice and cooking while preparing otther ingredients.
2. Season the beef all over with black pepper. Place soy sauce, honey, red chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger and garlic in a small mixing bowl and whisk together until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a sauté pan or Dutch Oven set over medium-high heat until shimmering (but not smoking). Place half of the beef in a single layer in the bottom of the pan and sear for 2 minutes, then flip and sear for 2 minutes more. Remove from the pot and set aside on a plate.
4. Add 2 more tablespoons oil to the pot, then repeat searing with the second half of the beef.
5. Lower heat to medium. Add the final 2 tablespoons oil to the pan, and add the sliced onions to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add broccoli to the pan and stir fry until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the soy sauce mixture, and increase heat to medium-high. Allow mixture to come to a boil, while continuously stirring. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the sauce is slightly thickened around the beef and broccoli.
7. Remove pan from the heat, and garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
8. Serve with steamed rice.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, divided
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garlic, grated (about 3 cloves)
• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 pound broccoli, cut into small florets
• Scallions, sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Steamed rice