Spicy Mongolian Beef and Pineapple

Name: Spicy Mongolian Beef and Pineapple
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons (78g) cornstarch, divided; 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons (10mL) oil; 1 1/2 pounds (683g) flank steak, cut across the grain into thin strips; 1/2 cup (118mL) low sodium soy sauce; 2/3 cup (158mL) low sodium beef broth; 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, lightly packed; 2 tablespoons (32g) hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon (16g) Thai sweet red chili sauce; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes, to taste; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons (30mL) cool water; 1/2 cup (110g) shredded carrots; 1 cup (180g) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1/4 cup (59mL) pineapple juice; cooked rice, for serving; 2 green onions, sliced thinly, for garnish (optional); sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)