For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and flavorful recipes can sometimes be a challenge. Beef, a versatile and protein-rich ingredient, can be a cornerstone of many keto-friendly meals. This article explores several delicious and easy keto beef recipes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Keto Mongolian Beef
Craving takeout but want to stay on track with your keto diet? Keto Mongolian Beef is the answer. This recipe delivers the classic umami flavor you love, with a fraction of the carbs. It's a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy, with plenty of sauce that soaks into any keto rice or noodles you pair it with. This dish minimizes effort and cleanup by using a slow cooker. Tougher cuts of meat like flank steak or skirt steak benefit from slow braising, and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Ingredients for Keto Mongolian Beef
- Flank steak: Easy to slice thinly and a good choice for Mongolian beef. Top sirloin or skirt steak can also be used.
- Swerve Brown: A brown sugar replacement that gives this recipe a more authentic flavor. Granular sweetener and 1 teaspoon of molasses can also be used.
- Allulose: Helps make the sauce a bit stickier, like traditional Mongolian beef.
- Tamari: Has more umami flavor and fewer carbs than coconut aminos. It’s also better than soy sauce as it’s completely gluten-free.
- Sesame oil: Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best.
- Ginger: Ground ginger is used for simplicity, but a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger can also be used.
- Red pepper flakes: Add more if you like more heat.
- Glucomannan: A keto thickening agent that makes the sauce thicker without starch. Xanthan gum can be also used.
- Garnish: Green onion, sesame seeds, salt.
Instructions for Keto Mongolian Beef
- Prep the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This is easier to do when the meat is partially frozen for 30 to 45 minutes. Place the sliced beef at the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together the sweeteners, water, tamari, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the meat and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove some of the liquid into a bowl and add the glucomannan. Whisk to combined well, then pour back into the pot and stir to coat the beef.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the Keto Mongolian Beef with sliced green onion and some sesame seeds. Serve over cauliflower rice.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Instant Pot Directions: Use the sauté function to brown the beef in a little oil first. Don’t add any water to the sauce, as pressure cookers force moisture out of the meat. Then cook the beef on Manual High for 10 minutes, then thicken with glucomannan.
- Stovetop Directions: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the beef and sauté until nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat with more oil and the remaining beef. Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer. Push all the beef to one side and whisk in the glucomannan, then stir well to combine.
Nutritional Information
This Keto Mongolian Beef has 2 grams of carbs per serving, much lower than the traditional version.
Is Mongolian Beef Sweet or Spicy?
Mongolian beef is a sweet and slightly spicy dish. Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Is There Sugar in Mongolian Beef?
Traditional versions often contain a great deal of sugar. This keto recipe has no added sugars and all the great flavor of the original!
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Keto Beef and Broccoli
This Keto Beef and Broccoli recipe is a fast and easy meal that will leave you feeling full and refreshed. A signature dish, beef and broccoli is a favorite for many. This keto beef and broccoli recipe does not use sugar or honey.
Ingredients for Keto Beef and Broccoli
- Flank steak
- Soy sauce base with garlic
- Sesame oil
- Onion
- Broccoli
- Avocado oil
- Butter
- Olive oil
Instructions for Keto Beef and Broccoli
- Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes or until hot.
- Add sliced beef and cook until it browns, less than 5 minutes, don't stir too much, you want it to brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add onions to a skillet with butter and olive oil and cook 20 minutes until onions are caramelized and tender.
- Add all other sauce ingredients into the skillet and stir the ingredients together over medium-low heat until it starts to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend sauce.
- Keep the sauce warm over low heat, and add broccoli to the skillet.
- Return beef to the pan and toss with broccoli and sauce top. Stir until everything is coated with the sauce.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for another few minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Serve immediately, optionally pairing with cooked cauliflower rice.
Keto Taco Skillet
Dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated. This Taco Skillet is made with taco meat, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Top with plenty of cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
Instructions for Keto Taco Skillet
- In large non-stick skillet, cook beef, bell peppers, and yellow onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until meat is thoroughly cooked and veggies are tender; drain.
- Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Cook until water is absorbed.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until liquid is gone.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on and let it melt by covering with a lid.
Keto Stir-Fry Beef
Ingredients for Keto Stir-Fry Beef
- Beef: Sliced beef
- Coconut Aminos: Some coconut amino brands have a higher carb count than others depending on the ingredients so read the label.
- Ginger: Root ginger
- Garlic
Instructions for Keto Stir-Fry Beef
- Add the sliced beef to a small bag with coconut aminos, ginger, and garlic.
- In a large wok or cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat then stir-fry beef until browned, 1-3 minutes.
Keto Beef Stew
Beef stew is a cozy, comforting classic in the cold months, and it's very simple to make a keto-friendly version with just a few easy swaps. We make up for the lack of thickener by ensuring that we really reduce the stew to create something rich and stick-to-your-ribs good.
Ingredients for Keto Beef Stew
- Beef Chuck Roast: Stew beef requires plenty of internal fat and connective tissue to allow it to turn tender rather than tough over long simmering. Chuck roast has ample quantities of both; plus, it has tons of beefy flavor.
- Mushrooms: Baby bella mushrooms bulk up the stew and get extremely flavorful.
- Onion, Carrots, Celery: This trio of veggies makes up what the French call a mirepoix.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is a pure umami bomb.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth, so you have more control over the salt level in the stew.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary make this stew extra comforting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Beef Stew
- Pat your beef dry with paper towels to ensure it’s completely dry. Then season well with salt and pepper, making sure you cover every surface.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the beef and sear on all sides until golden. You’ll have to work in batches here-don’t overcrowd your pot. Once each batch is done, remove from the pot and repeat with the remaining beef. If your pot is getting dry and you need more oil, feel free to add some.
- To that same pot, add the mushrooms and cook until crispy and golden. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once golden, add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until soft. Then add in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, around 1 minute more. Then add in the tomato paste, and stir to fully coat the vegetables.
- Add the broth, rosemary, and thyme into the pot, as well as your seared beef. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then simmer until the beef is tender. This could take around 50 minutes to an hour, so keep an eye on it.
- Once done, serve it up and garnish with more fresh herbs if you please!
What To Serve With Keto Beef Stew
This stew is plenty comforting on its own, but if you want to bulk this meal up, serve this alongside any of our favorite keto side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Creamed Brussels Sprouts
- Smashed Broccoli
Storage
If you have any leftovers (or want to make this meal ahead of time), let the stew cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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