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Keto Beef and broccoli stir fry in a wok with a wooden spoon.
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5 from 1 vote

Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: easy, keto beef and broccoli, quick, stir-fry
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 367kcal
Author: Bethany Galloway

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
    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
    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.
    1.5 pounds 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 sliced onions and stir fry for 3 minutes, until beginning to soften.
    1/2 medium onion
    A frying pan with onions in it.
  • Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
    1 tablespoon fresh ginger, 3 garlic cloves
    A frying pan with onions and a wooden spoon.
  • 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
    A white bowl with keto stir fry sauce 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 xanthan gum over the pan in a light layer and mix quickly with your wooden spoon.
    1/2-1 teaspoon xanthan gum
    A wok filled with onions, xanthan gum, and a wooden spoon.
  • 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
    A frying pan with broccoli and meat in it.
  • Season to taste, and serve garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
    Green onions, Toasted sesame seeds
    Keto Beef and broccoli stir fry in a wok with a wooden spoon.

Notes

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Fresh is Best: While frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, fresh broccoli usually provides the best texture and flavor for this dish.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 1285mg | Potassium: 1080mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Vitamin C: 94mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 5mg