Chef Ed’s Beef and Broccoli with Sticky Rice
A Takeout Classic Made Right at Home a la Chef Ed
Few dishes strike the perfect balance of savory, tender, and satisfying quite like beef and broccoli. Chef Ed’s version takes this beloved takeout favorite and elevates it with marinated flank steak, vibrant broccoli florets, and a glossy garlic-soy sauce served over steamy sticky rice. It’s bold, balanced, and easy to whip up in your home kitchen—no delivery required.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Beef & Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly across the grain
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more as needed)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup water (for steaming)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish, optional)
- 1 1/2 cups short-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sticky Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. In a pot, combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–18 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
2. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, vinegar, and sesame oil. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and locks in flavor.
3. Make the Sauce:
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, broth, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Time:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches, searing for about 1 minute per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add another splash of oil and the broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, then add 1/4 cup water and cover the pan for 2–3 minutes to steam the broccoli until crisp-tender. Remove the lid and let excess water cook off.
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1–2 minutes, until everything is glossy and fragrant.
5. Serve:
Fluff the sticky rice and scoop into bowls. Top with the beef and broccoli mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a final pop of texture and flavor.
Chef Ed’s Tips:
- Always slice beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If you like heat, toss in a few chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
- For extra protein, stir in some scrambled egg or toss in cashews.
- Using fresh garlic and ginger makes a huge difference—don’t skip it!
Health Benefits:
This dish provides lean protein from the beef, fiber and antioxidants from broccoli, and energizing carbs from rice. The garlic and ginger support digestion and immunity, making this not just a delicious meal, but a wholesome one too.
References:
- USDA FoodData Central. (2023). Nutritional content of broccoli, beef, and rice.
- Harvard School of Public Health. (2022). Health benefits of whole foods in Asian-style diets.