Beef and broccoli

Step 1: Start the 2 cups of rice with water following the package directions.

Step 2: Slice the steak thinly across the grain (15 minutes in the freezer first makes it much easier) and toss it with 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of the cornstarch.

Step 3: Mix the sauce: the other 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, the other 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, the brown sugar, ½ cup of water and the minced garlic and ginger.

Step 4: Cut the broccoli into florets, the pepper into strips and the onion into thin wedges. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pan over high heat and stir-fry the pepper and onion for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons of water, cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green. Move it all to a plate.

Step 5: Sear the beef in one layer in two batches, each in 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 to 2 minutes a side until browned. Thin slices cook through (145°F) in that time.

Step 6: Put everything back, stir the sauce and pour it in, and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until thick and glossy. Serve over the rice, sprinkled with the sesame seeds.