This Low-Carb Keto Broccoli Beef Stir-Fry Recipe has fresh crisp-tender broccoli and tender steak smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce. It's super easy to make and has a classic take-out flavor everyone will love.
This super tasty Low-Carb Keto Beef and Broccoli is a 'Take-Out Fake-Out' recipe that my family loves and that I can be on the table in no time! It's the perfect cure if you have a craving for Chinese takeout.
It's quick, easy, healthy, and extremely flavorful - exactly what I look for on a busy weeknight.
❤️ Why You'll Love This Low-Carb Beef & Broccoli Recipe: It has a classic 🥡 takeout flavor, is easy to make, and is healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, keto, and can also be made paleo and whole30!
Some beef and broccoli recipes are totally bland and soggy, but this recipe is made with fresh crisp-tender broccoli, tender flank steak, and a flavorful sticky sauce.
Also, we like our beef and broccoli with a hint of sweetness, but if you prefer, you can leave out the added sweetener.
Or if you're looking for more low-carb Asian recipes, I think you'll love these Keto Orange Chicken, Low-Carb Teriyaki Chicken, and Keto Sweet And Sour Chicken recipes!
Or this Paleo Fried Chicken recipe from My PCOS Kitchen looks yummy too!
Frequently asked questions
I recommend using flank steak because it is lean, tender, and easy to chew when cut against the grain. However, flat iron steak and skirt steak can be substituted.
If served without rice or noodles it's semi-low-carb, coming in at around 18 to 25 net carbs per serving because of the sweetener and cornstarch. However, this recipe uses a keto sweetener and xanthan gum instead of cornstarch for a thickener and comes in at only 5 net carbs per serving.
Beef and broccoli is not typically gluten-free due to the gluten in the soy sauce. However, this recipe is made with coconut aminos, which is a soy-free gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Or, you can also use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, which is naturally gluten-free 👍
The best keto thickener for sauces is xanthan gum because it thickens nicely and has 0 net carbs. Just be sure to mix it with a small amount of oil or melted butter before adding it to the sauce so it doesn't clump.
The salt in the coconut aminos, the acid in the rice vinegar, and ¼ tsp. baking soda (not baking powder!) in the marinade tenderizes the beef while infusing flavor. It can be marinated for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients for keto broccoli beef stir fry:
- Flank Steak - Cut against the grain to make it tender.
- Rice Vinegar - For the marinade, tenderizes the beef.
- Coconut Aminos, Tamari, Or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce- For the marinade, tenderizes the beef and adds flavor.
- Baking Soda - Breaks down the fibers to tenderize the meat.
- Chopped Fresh Broccoli Florets - About one large head or buy pre-cut fresh florets in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- Avocado Oil - For stir-frying the beef. You can substitute it with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Sesame Seeds - Optional, for garnish
And here are the low-carb beef and broccoli stir-fry sauce ingredients:
- Water - To thin the sauce.
- Fish Sauce - Adds umami and tons of flavor.
- Garlic - Peeled and minced. I use jarred garlic for convenience.
- Coconut Aminos - Can be substituted with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Tamari is a bit lower in carbs, so this is what I now prefer.
- Rice Vinegar - Acidity and flavor.
- Sesame Oil - Adds a nutty, earthy flavor.
- Ground Ginger, Pepper, and Garlic - Seasonings.
- Sherry Cooking Wine - Adds lots of flavors but can substitute with beef broth if desired.
- Brown Keto Sweetener - Optional, use coconut palm sugar for paleo.
- Xanthan Gum With Oil - Zero carb thickener. Use arrowroot or tapioca flour for paleo.
🔪 Easy instructions
Step #1: Sice the beef against the grain. Toss with the marinade and set aside.
Step #2: Mix together the sauce ingredients except for the xanthan gum mixture and garlic. Set aside.
💭TIP: Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will help you slice it more thinly. The thinner, the better!
Step #3: Boil the broccoli until tender, 2 to 5 minutes.
Step #4: Cook the beef in a single layer. Don't move the steak around so it gets a good sear.
💭Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan and cook in batches if needed. Drain off excess liquid as needed.
Step #5: Add the garlic, then the sauce to the skillet. Add the xanthan gum mixture to thicken.
Step #6: Stir in the broccoli and beef. Serve hot.
How to serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over cauliflower rice.
For the cauliflower rice, I like to make fried cauliflower rice!
For cauliflower fried rice, saute half of a chopped onion. Then, scramble two eggs and add the frozen cauliflower, following the directions in the post. Season with coconut aminos, tamari, or gluten-free soy sauce.
Or if you're looking for easy keto beef and broccoli lo main, here are some noodle options:
- shirataki noodles
- zucchini noodles
- hearts of palm (my new favorite!)
Storage instructions
- Store: Low-carb beef and broccoli can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Meal Prep: Store over cauliflower rice in individual containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for an easy, low-carb lunch or dinner.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be aware, though, that the broccoli may get a bit soggy when reheating. If possible, freeze without the broccoli.
- Reheat: Heat in a skillet on the stove or the microwave. However, the texture is better on the stove. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
Substitutions
- Even though I recommend using flank steak, flat iron steak or skirt steak can be substituted.
- Feel free to substitute the coconut aminos with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Since tamari is lower in carbs, this is what I now prefer and is what I used in the recipe card 👍
- The sherry cooking wine adds a lot of flavor. However, it can be substituted with beef broth. Sherry cooking wine can be found next to the bottles of vinegar at the grocery store.
Variations
This recipe is low-carb, keto, and gluten-free. If you follow a different diet, here are some other variations:
- Paleo: Use coconut sugar for the sweetener and replace the xanthan gum/oil mixture with 1 ½ Tablespoons of Arrowroot or Tapioca Flour mixed with 2 Tablespoons of cold water.
- Whole30: Omit the sweetener, replace the sherry cooking wine with beef broth, and replace the xanthan gum/oil mixture with 1 ½ Tablespoons of arrowroot or tapioca flour mixed with 2 Tablespoons of cold water.
💭 Top tips
- The fish sauce adds umami and depth of flavor, so I don't recommend omitting it. Fish sauce can be found in the International aisle of most grocery stores.
- Don't skip marinating the beef! The marinade tenderizes the meat and improves its flavor.
- Cut the steak as thinly as possible. To help you slice it more thinly, freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. The thinner, the better!
- Slice the meat against the grain for more tender results.
- A wok or a cast-iron skillet is perfect for this recipe, as they conduct heat well and are perfect for making stir-fry.
If you’ve tried this Low-Carb Keto Beef Stir-Fry and Broccoli, please let me know in the comments below!
Or if you're looking for another take-out favorite, be sure to check out this Chinese Keto Pepper Steak Recipe!
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📖 Recipe
Low-Carb Keto Broccoli Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Pounds Flank Steak
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Tamari - gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut aminos
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 4 Cups Chopped Broccoli Florets - around 1 large head
- 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil + More As Needed - or preferrred oil, for cooking
- Sesame Seeds - optional, for garnish
- Cauliflower Rice - optional, for serving
Beef And Broccoli Sauce:
- ½ teaspoon Xanthan Gum
- ½ teaspoon Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Or Melted Butter
- ¾ Cup Filtered Water
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Fish Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Tamari or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce - or 3 Tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Sherry Cooking Wine
- 2 Tablespoons Keto Brown Sweetener - optional
- 3 Cloves Garlic - peeled and minced
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak as thinly as possible against the grain. TIP: Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing, this will help you slice it more thinly. The thinner, the better! Then, place the meat in a large bowl along with the rice vinegar, coconut aminos, and baking soda. Toss to combine. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours covered in the refrigerator.
- Meanwhile, fill a large pot halfway full of water, and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and boil for 2 - 4 minutes, or until desired tenderness. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the xanthan gum and oil. Set aside. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients EXCEPT for the minced garlic.
- Once the steak has finished marinating, add the avocado oil to a large wok or cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if needed. Try not to move the meat around so it gets a good sear. Cook until the bottom is browned, then flip over and cook until just cooked through, about 3 or 4 minutes, draining off excess liquid if needed. Set the meat aside and cover with foil to keep it warm.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!
- Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Then, give the xanthan gum mixture a quick stir and add to the sauce. Stir until thickened, around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the broccoli and beef. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over cauliflower rice.
Add Your Own Notes
Notes
- Even though I recommend using flank steak, flat iron steak or skirt steak can be substituted.
- The sherry cooking wine adds a lot of flavor. However, it can be substituted with beef broth. Sherry cooking wine can be found next to the bottles of vinegar at the grocery store.
- The fish sauce adds umami and depth of flavor, so I don't recommend omitting it. Fish sauce can be found in the International aisle of most grocery stores.
- For added convenience, feel free to use jarred garlic and pre-cut broccoli florets found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Nutrition
NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber - Allulose - Xylitol
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols, xylitol, and allulose are included in the total carbs and fiber.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my
Edith says
This is an awesome dish, simple to make and my favorite dish at the oriental restaurant. Best part is we can enjoy it at home now. This is a keeper. Thanks for sharing!
Cassidy says
I'm so happy you liked it!!! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice review and comment 🙂
-Cassidy