For those following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply seeking a healthy and flavorful meal, this Keto Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a perfect choice. Combining the savory goodness of beef with the nutritional benefits of broccoli, all coated in a delicious keto-friendly sauce, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This Asian-inspired stir-fry is not only fast and easy to prepare but also leaves you feeling full and refreshed, without the carb overload.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional beef and broccoli dishes often contain hidden sugars and starches, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. This recipe eliminates those culprits, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic favorite. By using low-carb sweeteners and thickeners like xanthan gum, you can achieve the same delicious flavor and texture without compromising your dietary goals.
Key Ingredients
- Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are excellent choices. Flank steak is often used in Chinese restaurants, while sirloin is a versatile option. Cheaper cuts can be used, but keep in mind they may be tougher. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well. Using pre-cut florets saves time, but frozen florets are a convenient alternative.
- Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Soy sauce provides the classic umami flavor, but for a paleo or Whole30-compliant version, coconut aminos are a great substitute. Some coconut amino brands have higher carb counts than others depending on the ingredients so read the label.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic and ginger are preferred, but ginger paste can be used for convenience. Root ginger is recommended over powdered ginger.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: A low-carb sweetener like Swerve or another erythritol-based sweetener replaces sugar or honey, keeping the dish keto-friendly.
- Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
- Xanthan Gum: This is a keto-friendly thickening agent that helps create a luscious sauce. Cornstarch can be used as a substitute, but it is not keto-friendly.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Used for stir-frying the beef and broccoli.
- Sesame Oil: A touch of toasted sesame oil adds a signature flavor to the dish.
- Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar: These ingredients add brightness and tang to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this easy keto beef and broccoli stir fry:
Preparing the Beef
- Slice the flank steak thinly. Slice against the grain in pieces about 1/4″ thick.
- Place the sliced beef in a large bowl, season all over with sea salt and black pepper and toss with with the 1 tablespoon coconut aminos.
- Toss the marinated beef with the 2 teaspoons arrowroot to coat.
- Heat a large, preferably nonstick skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer to fry - I did this in 2 batches. Allow it to cook about 60-90 seconds on each side, then remove to a plate and set aside.
Cooking the Broccoli
- Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat with 2 TB olive or avocado oil.
- Sauté broccoli for 3 min.
- Add 3TB water and simmer with the lid on over medium heat for 2 minutes, or until broccoli reaches desired tenderness.
- Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together your coconut oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar and mix well.
- Meanwhile, combine the stir fry sauce ingredients in a bowl, leaving out the Xanthan Gum. Stir to combine.
- Add the sauce ingredients to the skillet and bring to a boil on medium heat.
- Cover turn down to low and simmer on medium for 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, add the 1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum and 1/2 tsp warm water. (See notes)
- Stir to combine. It will thicken quickly!
- Scrape mixture into your skillet with the sauce and whisk to combine.
- Simmer on low for 5 minutes as the sauce thickens.
Combining and Serving
- Add the second tablespoon of olive oil and lower the heat to medium.
- Add in the cooked beef and broccoli and stir to coat with the sauce, which should be thickened.
- Then stir the broccoli back into the skillet and simmer for 1-2 minutes or until the broccoli is heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve garnished with thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately, optionally pairing with cooked cauliflower rice.
Tips and Variations
- Use other cuts of beef.
- Make sure the pan is hot. Give it some heat.
- Swap the protein.
- Add more vegetables.
- Garnish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to the stir-fry.
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve over steamed or fried cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying keto meal. Frozen cauliflower rice is a convenient option.
- Marinade: For extra flavor, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This keto beef and broccoli stir-fry is delicious on its own, but it's even better when paired with a side of cauliflower rice. You can also garnish it with sesame seeds or sliced scallions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutritional Information
This recipe contains just 3 grams of net carbs per serving.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Storing and Reheating
- To Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, in a covered container, for up to four days.
- To Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a touch of water before reheating if it looks dried out from the fridge.
- To Freeze: Freeze leftovers in the freezer, for up to 6 months.
Is Beef and Broccoli Keto-Friendly?
If you order a typical beef and broccoli from your favorite Chinese food take-out restaurant, no. They most likely use thickeners such as flour or corn starch, which are not keto-friendly, and sugar in the sauce. With that said, you can still make your sauce without either of those ingredients.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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