lazy minute steak and broccoli

I admit I was skeptical when we got our first minute steaks back from the processor. Also known as cube steak and tenderized meat, minute steaks are often considered cheap, tough cuts of beef. I was very pleasantly surprised when I started using minute steaks in quick, weekday meals. This is a super-easy recipe for beef and broccoli in which the minute steak plays a starring role.

ingredients

1 lb or so of minute steak
1 head of broccoli
Up to 3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic (from a jar)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup bacon fat or lard
1/3 cup light soy sauce
2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce (optional)

tools

1 large cast iron or nonstick pan

prep and cook

Step 1: Cut minute steak in 3-inch strips and broccoli into florets.

Step 2: Cook the beef and put it aside. Turn your burner up to medium and heat your bacon fat or lard. Then gently stir fry your beef. Try not to get distracted–minute steak cooks fast! When your beef is browned–but not overdone–take it out of the pan and put it in a bowl.

Step 3: Cook the garlic and the broccoli. Use the fat remaining in the pan to stir fry the garlic and the broccoli for a minute or two. Medium heat should be plenty. Then add the water to the pan, set the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the broccoli steam for a couple of minutes. It should turn a vibrant green.

Step 4: Mix it all together. Put the beef back in the pan with the broccoli. Add the ginger powder, soy sauce, and Hoisin sauce. Stir together over low heat. Turn off the burner and cover the pan until you’re ready to eat.

Step 5: Serve over rice or “riced” cauliflower.

Altogether, this dish shouldn’t take more than about 15-20 minutes to prepare. The minute steak really lives up to its name!