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Healthy beef and broccoli in a bowl next to a fork and a frying pan of food.
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5 from 1 vote

Healthy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Wave goodbye to takeout with this Healthy Beef and Broccoli recipe that’s about to become your go-to meal. With tender beef, perfect broccoli, and a sweet and salty sauce, it t swaps out traditional ingredients for healthier options without compromising on taste. This 20-minute meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Paleo and Whole30 options included!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: easy, healthy beef and broccoli, quick, stir-fry
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 335kcal
Author: Bethany Galloway

Ingredients

Steamed Broccoli

  • 2 heads broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons water

Stir-Fried Beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 4 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
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1.5 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice powder
  • 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1/2 a lemon
  • 1.5 tablespoons Tapioca starch or cornflour starch/ arrowroot starch
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

Steam the Broccoli

  • Begin by steaming the broccoli in the microwave. Add the chopped broccoli florets and water to a large bowl.
    2 heads broccoli, 2 tablespoons water
    Pouring water over broccoli in a large bowl.
  • Place a plate or microwave-safe lid on top, covering most of the broccoli.
    A plate covering a bowl with 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 oil
  • When the oil is hot, add the beef and cook it until it's browned on the outside, about 2 minutes.
    1 pound flank steak
    A frying pan with meat in it.
  • Remove from the pan, leaving any juices behind. Set aside.
    A plate of meat with a green spatula on it.
  • To the same pan, add the onions and stir fry for 3 minutes, until beginning to soften.
    1 medium onion
  • Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
    1 tablespoon fresh ginger, 4 garlic cloves
    A frying pan with onions and a wooden spoon.
  • Meanwhile, mix the stir fry sauce ingredients together in a bowl. It doesn't have to be completely smooth.
    1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1.5 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice powder, 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup water
    A bowl of stir fry sauce with a blue spoon in it.
  • Pour the sauce over the onions, garlic, and ginger, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
    A frying pan with onions, sir fry sauce, and a wooden spoon.
  • Sprinkle the starch over the pan in a light layer and mix quickly with your wooden spoon.
    1.5 tablespoons Tapioca starch
    A frying pan with onions, sir fry sauce, cornstarch, and a wooden spoon.
  • Add the beef, broccoli, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, and stir everything together.
    A frying pan with broccoli and meat in it.
  • Season to taste, and serve garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
    Healthy beef and broccoli in a bowl next to a fork and a frying pan of food.

Notes

  1. Beef: Slicing the beef against the grain is crucial for making sure it is tender and not chewy. Look for the lines in the meat and cut perpendicular to them. Also, keep a close eye on your beef as it cooks. It should just turn brown on the outside. Overcooking will make it tough.
  2. Don’t Oversteam: You want your broccoli to be vibrant and slightly crunchy, not soft and mushy. Steaming it for 3-4 minutes should be just right.
  3. Shock in Cold Water: If you’re not going to use it immediately, plunging the steamed broccoli into cold water stops the cooking process and keeps its color bright.
  4. Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce isn’t thickening up how you like, you can add a little more starch mixed with water. Conversely, if it’s too thick, a splash of water or broth will thin it out.
  5. Taste and Season: Before adding your beef and broccoli back into the pan, give your sauce a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed, maybe a bit more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
  6. Other Meat: Chicken, turkey, or pork are great alternatives to beef for this recipe. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until they're no longer pink inside.
  7. Make it Paleo or Whole30: To make this a paleo beef and broccoli recipe, swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos. For Whole30, do the same and skip the honey.

Storage Instructions

  • Cool Before Storing: Let the dish cool down to room temperature before you pack it away, and then place it in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate Promptly: They'll keep well for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat Gently: When you're ready to enjoy your beef and broccoli again, reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish and stir halfway through heating to ensure it warms evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1262mg | Potassium: 1073mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 942IU | Vitamin C: 140mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 4mg