Keto Beef and Broccoli
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My keto beef and broccoli recipe combines juicy flank steak with tender broccoli in an umami-forward sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes and only 3 grams of net carbs!
I typically cook at least one stir-fry a week for my family, and my keto broccoli and beef recipe is always highly requested.
They love it because it’s flavorful and doesn’t taste low-carb. I love it because the prep time is practically non-existent and gives Chinese takeout a run for its money!
Unlike other keto dinner recipes, this one was one of the easier ones to get right. I did have to test the sauce a few times to replicate the signature umami flavor and thickness (without cornstarch!), but the end result speaks for itself: juicy steak strips, crisp broccoli, and a sauce you’d literally lick off the plate.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- It’s healthy. We’re talking lean protein, fiber, and a few Asian staples for the low-calorie sauce.
- It’s fast. If I can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes, it will become a weekly staple.
- It makes for great leftovers. Let the flavors mesh overnight, and you’ve got the perfect leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
- And it’s easy to customize. Swap the protein, use different veggies, or add cauliflower rice to make a heartier dish.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This was so good! I will be keeping the recipe in the rotation for sure!” – Deanna
Key Ingredients
Here’s what goes into my low carb beef and broccoli, along with kitchen notes. The complete list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Flank steak. Sliced against the grain and into bite-sized pieces. I don’t recommend pre-sliced strips, as they often discard the steak’s outer portions, which give the stir-fry so much extra flavor.
- Soy sauce OR liquid aminos. If you are gluten intolerant or have a soy allergy, use liquid aminos. It has the same flavor as soy sauce.
- Lemon juice. Adds extra acidity, helping hold the flavors in the beef and broccoli florets.
- Coconut oil OR canola oil. To cook the meat in. Only a small amount will be used to balance out the sesame oil flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar. Gives the beef an extra boost of flavor, especially when paired with soy sauce.
- Minced garlic. Garlic from a jar is fine and is easier than mincing it yourself.
- Salt and Pepper. To taste! I always add salt AFTER stir-frying everything, as adding salt to your meat before frying can reduce the sodium absorption.
- Toasted Sesame oil. The star ingredient that makes this beef and broccoli stir-fry better than any other out there! Use very good-quality sesame oil, as it has a very distinct flavor.
- Broccoli. Fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How to make keto beef and broccoli
Step 1- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Pour over the steak and toss to coat.
Step 2- Cook the meat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil to a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak and half of its sauce. Sear for 5 minutes, turning halfway through.
Step 3- Cook the broccoli. Add the second tablespoon of sesame oil, then the broccoli and the remaining sauce. Cook for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender. Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering until the broccoli is cooked.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use other cuts of beef. If you don’t have flank steak, you can use sirloin steak instead, but I suggest marinating the beef for 30 minutes first to help break down the fibers.
- Make sure the pan is hot. The best way I’ve found to get caramelized beef is to only add it once the pan is nice and warm.
- Give it some heat. Add hot sauce, chili sauce, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap the protein. Use ground beef, sliced chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp.
- Add more vegetables. Like onions, peppers, cauliflower, or some fresh ginger. These are all lower in carbs, so the net carbs won’t change by much.
- Garnish. Sprinkle some sesame seeds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds on top before serving.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled stir fry in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Reheating: Microwave portions for 30-40 seconds or until hot, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Frequently asked questions
There are just 3 grams of net carbs per serving.
Cooked broccoli is best enjoyed crisp and tender, so pre-cooking it will result in soft and brittle broccoli. If the broccoli isn’t cooked to your liking, you can continue simmering on low until it reaches your desired texture.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
“This low carb beef and broccoli is an excellent high-protein and high-fiber dinner idea that doesn’t rely on sugar-laden or excessively thickened sauces for flavor. If you aren’t watching your carbs, serve with brown rice.” – Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Keto Beef and Broccoli
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce can use liquid aminos
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups broccoli chopped
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Slice the steak against the grain, in bite sized strips. Place in a mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together your coconut oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar and mix well. Pour over the steak to ensure the sauce covers all the meat.
- Heat a non-stick pan with one tablespoon of sesame oil. When hot, add your marinated steak and half the sauce it is in. Sear for 5 minutes, turning halfway through, for the steak to cook on both sides.
- Add the second tablespoon of sesame oil, and add the broccoli and the rest of the sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering until the broccoli is cooked to your desired texture.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Tips: See my recipe tips for the best keto broccoli beef.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for 6 months.
Nutrition
More low carb dinners to try
If you love this takeout fakeout recipe, here are some others you may also enjoy:
Live what you do! You always give me simple delicious ideas
Thanks for the kind words Cindy!
Great!
Thanks Valerie!
How long should it be marinaded? Could it be all day while at work? Thank you!
Hi Dannielle- I actually don’t recommend marinating it for too long, because it penetrates a little too much into the meat (because it’s cut into strips) and will yield a super salty stir fry. You can prep the marinade first, then give the strips a quick toss in them before cooking 🙂
I make this weekly!
Love to hear that, Gayle- it reheats and freezes really, really well. My partner used to request this during his meal prep days!
Delicious! I added some steamed riced cauliflower and sliced onion. Great Keto meal! I’d post a photo and video if I knew how, lol! Thanks for the recipe!
This is my go to recipe when I don’t feel like cooking! Sometimes I’ll add heart of palm noodles and it is DIVINE.
This was delicious!!
Quick, easy, high protein.
Thanks, Shimone- glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing! One of my favorite keto recipes so far! Served over cauliflower rice.
I’m usually a picky eater, and I hardly know how to make food; it’s the worst combo to live with. I expected the soy sauce to overtake the beef; normally, I hate soy sauce, but you can hardly taste it. Best food I have ever made so far!
Aw, thanks so much NK! I’m sure you’re not giving yourself enough credit! 🙂 Yes, the soy sauce does look like alot, but it’s to coat the broccoli too 🙂
I loved how simple this recipe was to prepare and cook. Husband and children liked it, too! I will make it again.
Love to hear that, Lee Ann- I’m so glad the family enjoyed it 🙂
I am very picky with tastes from recipes and I can say that this is delicious! I tried it with the beef and the beef was chewy. So I would upgrade the beef or buy chicken. Either way, the flavor was delicious and I put. At the end I added a cup of cauliflower rice in the same pan. Was great!
Love love love ❤️ Made it with minced meat and it was amazing
Love to hear that, Daniela! How funny- my original recipe called for ground beef, before I tweaked it to be using steak strips! Thanks for the lovely comment and star rating!