Step - by - Step Cooking Process

Preparing the Steak

Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. This crucial step helps the steak sear evenly. Season both sides of the steaks generously with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for 15 - 20 minutes. This allows the seasonings to penetrate and the steak to reach an even temperature, ensuring consistent cooking.

Searing the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a heavy - bottomed skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the steaks in the skillet. Sear the steaks for 2 - 3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden - brown crust forms. This searing locks in the natural juices of the steak. Remove the seared steaks from the skillet and set them aside.

Cooking the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and minced ginger. Stir - fry until the onion becomes translucent and the aromatics are fragrant, about 2 - 3 minutes.

Making the Braising Sauce

Pour in 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute to blend the flavors.

Braising the Steak

Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil. Return the seared steaks to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the steaks braise for 30 - 40 minutes. Flip the steaks halfway through the braising process to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks. The goal is to make the steaks tender enough to cut with a fork.

Adjusting the Sauce and Serving

After the braising time, remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Let the sauce in the skillet simmer over medium - high heat for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. If the sauce is too thin, you can add a little cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to thicken it.

Spoon the thickened braising sauce over the steaks. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an added touch of freshness. Serve the braised steak with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.