Ingredients

• 120g (approx. 4 oz) lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1g small carrot (approx. 50g), peeled and julienned or thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets (approx. 80g)
• 1/2g small zucchini (approx. 80g), quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, approx. 50g)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sake (or chicken/vegetable broth)
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1g clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 tsp neutral cooking oil (e.g., canola, grapeseed)
• Optional: pinch of sugar or honey, sesame seeds for garnish

Steps

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake (or broth), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Prepare the cornstarch slurry: In another tiny bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat a wok or large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the neutral cooking oil.
4. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced beef. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
5. Add the julienned carrots and broccoli florets to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they start to tender-crisp. If needed, add a tablespoon of water to create some steam.
6. Add the sliced zucchini and corn kernels to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini is slightly softened but still has a bite.
7. Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables.
8. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk, then pour it over the beef and vegetables in the pan. Stir to combine thoroughly.
9. Immediately re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; a small pinch of sugar or honey can balance the flavors. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
11. Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice or simply as is for a low-carb option.