Ditch the takeout menu and whip up this easy Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe! Juicy, tender beef paired with fresh, crisp broccoli, all smothered in a tasty sauce that packs a serious flavor punch. Perfect for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet looking for a tasty alternative to Chinese takeout. This healthy dish is super easy to make and absolutely loaded with deliciousness.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious, look no further. This keto beef and broccoli stir fry recipe ticks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your meal rotation:
- Quick and Easy Recipe: Ready in just about 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s hearty and fulfilling.
- Health-Conscious: Low in carbs and high in protein, it fits beautifully into a keto or low-carb diet, making it easy to enjoy your favorite Chinese food without the guilt.
- Flavorful: With a savory sauce that’s both rich and aromatic, you’ll love how the flavors meld together to create a dish that’s every bit as tasty as what you’d find in a Chinese restaurant.
- Versatile: This recipe is easily customizable with substitutions for various dietary needs or preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with the whole family, even the pickiest of eaters.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to go for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
🗝️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how you can tweak this low-carb beef and broccoli dish to suit your taste or pantry stock:
- Broccoli: The star vegetable of this dish, broccoli brings a hearty dose of fiber and nutrients. Fresh broccoli is ideal for the best texture and flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch.
- Flank Steak: Chosen for its lean quality and ability to soak up the marinade, flank steak makes the dish both tender and flavorful. Alternatives like sirloin steak or skirt steak can also work well.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, olive oil adds a hint of richness. Feel free to use avocado oil or another keto-friendly oil if you prefer.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are key for infusing the dish with its signature flavor. Powdered versions can be used, but fresh is best for a vibrant taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add a nice heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your liking, or omit it if you’re not a fan of spicy food.
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Keeps the sodium content in check while delivering that umami flavor. Gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free and keto-friendly alternatives, however, coconut aminos are a little higher in carbs.
- Erythritol: Helps balance the savory notes without adding sugar. I used a stevia & erythritol mix, however, you can substitute it with monk fruit sweetener, allulose, or any other keto-friendly sweetener you have on hand.
- Sesame Oil and Seeds: Add a nutty flavor and crunch. If sesame is not your thing, you can skip the seeds and just use the oil for cooking.
- Xanthan Gum: A gluten-free thickener that helps the sauce cling to the beef and broccoli without adding carbs like corn starch would. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out; the sauce will just be a bit thinner.
🥣 How to Make Keto Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Making this keto-friendly version of beef and broccoli is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish, along with a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
1. Preparing the Broccoli
Start with the broccoli. You’ll want to steam it just until it’s tender but still has a bit of crunch. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and ensures it doesn’t turn mushy when you add it to the stir fry. Just chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, add a splash of water, and microwave them covered for about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer, you can also steam the broccoli florets on the stove for a similar result.
2. Cooking the Beef Strips
The key to tender, flavorful beef is getting your pan nice and hot before the steak hits the surface. Thinly slice your flank steak against the grain for the best texture. Sear the slices in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. You’re looking for a nice brown on the outside without overcooking the inside. Once done, set the beef aside.
3. Making the Stir Fry Sauce
In the same pan, you’ll cook down the onions, ginger, and garlic. Then, you’ll add your sauce mixture, which includes low sodium soy sauce, erythritol, sesame oil, lemon juice, and a touch of water to deglaze the pan and pick up all those tasty bits left from cooking the beef.
A sprinkle of xanthan gum thickens the beef and broccoli sauce, creating that glossy, cling-to-every-bite quality we love in a good stir fry. Remember to sprinkle lightly and whisk it in quickly to avoid clumping.
4. Bringing It All Together
Once your sauce is simmering and thickened, add back the beef and steamed broccoli. A quick toss to coat everything in that savory sauce, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, and you’re nearly there. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve your keto beef and broccoli hot, garnished with green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out fantastic every time:
- Slice Against the Grain: To ensure your beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, always slice it against the grain. This cuts through the muscle fibers, making it easier to chew.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the beef, give it some space. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, robbing you of that delicious, caramelized exterior.
- Keep the Crunch: Be careful not to oversteam your broccoli. You want it to retain a bit of bite, which adds texture to your stir fry and ensures it doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Fresh is Best: While frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, fresh broccoli usually provides the best texture and flavor for this dish.
- Balance Your Flavors: Taste as you go, especially with the sauce. The right balance of salty, sweet, and umami can make or break your stir fry.
- Thicken: If you’re using xanthan gum to thicken the sauce, remember that a little goes a long way. Sprinkle it in gradually and whisk well to avoid clumps.
- Adjust to Taste: Personalize your stir fry by adjusting the level of sweetness or heat to suit your preference. This recipe is just a starting point!
🫙 Storage Instructions
One of the best things about this keto recipe, aside from how delicious it is, is that it stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or for those times when you’re lucky enough to have leftovers. Here’s how to keep it tasting great for days:
- Cool & Airtight: Allow your stir fry to cool to room temperature, and then transfer it into an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Once packed away, get your leftovers into the fridge as soon as possible. Properly stored, your beef and broccoli will keep for 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: It’ll keep in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan to help the sauce redistribute evenly and prevent the beef from drying out.
🍽️ What To Serve With This Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Rice and Noodle Alternatives
- Cauliflower Rice: The perfect low-carb substitute for white rice, cauliflower rice is easy to make and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Zucchini Noodles: Also known as zoodles, these are another fantastic way to add more veggies to your plate without the carbs.
- Shirataki Noodles: These low-carb noodles are made from a type of fiber that’s virtually carb-free, making them an excellent option for a keto-friendly noodle dish.
- Bean Sprouts: With a fresh crunch and a slightly noodly shape, bean sprouts are a great noodle alternative as well. You can mix them into the stir fry before serving if desired.
Mix It Up
- Keto Miso Soup: Start your meal with a warm bowl of keto miso soup. It’s a comforting, low-carb way to begin your meal.
- Keto Spring Rolls: For a fun appetizer, wrap some beef and broccoli stir-fry in lettuce leaves, adding fresh herbs and a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. This is a great lunch option too!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thigh would work well as a substitute for beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauceor tamari, this keto beef and broccoli stir fry can be made gluten-free.
Definitely! This stir fry reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store it as advised and reheat gently when you’re ready to eat.
If you like your stir fry with a bit more kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the stir fry sauce.
😋 More Takeout Recipes You Will Love
- Keto Orange Chicken
- Sesame Broccoli
- Chinese Tomato, Beef, and Egg Stir Fry
- Healthy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Spicy Garlic Chinese Zucchini Noodles
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📖 Recipe
Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
Steamed Broccoli
- 1.5 heads broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons water
Stir-Fried Beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds flank steak thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Green onions to garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds to garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce or coconut aminos
- 3 tablespoons erythritol or 0 carb sweetener of choice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice powder
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2-1 teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
Steam the Broccoli
- Begin by steaming the broccoli in the microwave. Add the chopped broccoli florets and water to a large bowl.1.5 heads broccoli, 2 tablespoons water
- Place a plate or microwave-safe lid on top, covering most of the broccoli.
- Microwave for 3-4 minutes until it's just becoming tender.
Cook the Beef and Stir Fry Sauce
- Meanwhile, add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon olive oil
- When the oil is hot, add the beef and cook it until it's browned on the outside, about 2 minutes.1.5 pounds flank steak
- Remove from the pan, leaving any juices behind. Set aside.
- To the same pan, add the sliced onions and stir fry for 3 minutes, until beginning to soften.1/2 medium onion
- Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.1 tablespoon fresh ginger, 3 garlic cloves
- Meanwhile, mix the stir fry sauce ingredients together in a bowl. The sweetener will still be grainy but will cook down in the pan.1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce, 3 tablespoons erythritol, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice powder, 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup water
- Pour the sauce over the onions, garlic, and ginger, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the pan in a light layer and mix quickly with your wooden spoon.1/2-1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- Add the beef, broccoli, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, and stir everything together.Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Season to taste, and serve garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.Green onions, Toasted sesame seeds
Notes
-
- Slice Against the Grain: To ensure your beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, always slice it against the grain. This cuts through the muscle fibers, making it easier to chew.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the beef, give it some space. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, robbing you of that delicious, caramelized exterior.
- Keep the Crunch: Be careful not to oversteam your broccoli. You want it to retain a bit of bite, which adds texture to your stir fry and ensures it doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Fresh is Best: While frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, fresh broccoli usually provides the best texture and flavor for this dish.
- Balance Your Flavors: Taste as you go, especially with the sauce. The right balance of salty, sweet, and umami can make or break your stir fry.
- Thicken: If you’re using xanthan gum to thicken the sauce, remember that a little goes a long way. Sprinkle it in gradually and whisk well to avoid clumps.
- Adjust to Taste: Personalize your stir fry by adjusting the level of sweetness or heat to suit your preference. This recipe is just a starting point!
Storage & Reheating
-
- Cool & Airtight: Allow your stir fry to cool to room temperature, and then transfer it into an airtight container.
-
- Refrigerate: Once packed away, get your leftovers into the fridge as soon as possible. Properly stored, your beef and broccoli will keep for 3 to 4 days.
-
- Freeze: It’ll keep in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
-
- Reheating: Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan to help the sauce redistribute evenly and prevent the beef from drying out.