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:
Is there any way you could give nutritional data? Carb gr? Fat? Sugar? Calories per serving ?
Hi Rachel! I don’t count calories but if you plug the info into a nutrition calculator it should provide it for you 🙂 Enjoy!
This looks like something I would love! I’ll be giving it a try soon.
Thanks Linda! It’s so simple and easy to whip up 🙂
Back in my carnivorous days, I used to order take out chinese and it was always Beef with Broccoli. Of course, I never actually ate the beef, just the the broccoli, but I liked the flavor or maybe it was just all the salt.
Oh man, we need to bottle MSG and drink it. Shots?
Considering it is definitely a tough dish to photograph, I think that you did a fantastic job!!!
Cheers, buddy! Meat just does not photograph well but tastes bloody epic.
No way, I can’t believe someone in SF suggested Panda Express to you when you were really a stone’s throw away from Chinatown!
Where’s my bowl of rice so I can dip into this??
I KNOW.
..We ended up going to China Town for dinner to a Japanese Izakaya which was run by Chinese. Fail.
LOL at the easy, breezy, beautiful Covergirl line 😀 😀
Lolol I think you’re the only one who got it.
I haven’t had any red meat in awhile but now I am a cravinggggggggggggg – bring on the cow, I will bring my knife!
Dude. Order. Now.
I have never eaten at panda express. I don’t think I have actually even seen a panda express before. This sounds like such an easy recipe and my husband would love it!
Definitely give it a go- I promise it’s super simple and delicious!
I definitely crave sugar the more I eat sugar! I try to save sweet treats for late in the day, so there is less of the day left to crave sweets, haha.
That is wise planning, Liz!
Since I’m by myself for Christmas, I’m thinking about grabbing some Chinese takeout on my way home from work – but now I don’t have an excuse not to make it at home. We’ll see though. I do love broccoli beef! I think I’ve only eaten at Panda Express once that I can remember.
I’m by myself too (Well for half a day). Let’s eat Asian take out and pretend we’re eating turkey. OR whole foods.
Haha, I love that you have the gluten-free label on there! Really helps me out :p
But this is amazing and looks exactly like the meals that my grandma would make me as a kid… albeit healthier. Will try this one day when I’m craving something from my childhood
Definitely give it a go. #Asianpride.
i’ll take this over panda express any day. I actually fear that place now –> um, MSG laden and plus I got food poisoning. ARMAN takeout please!
Definitely. Arman Panda coming right up.
Yum! I haven’t had Asian take-out in forever, but there’s a great place near my work that I’ll go every now and then and order their beef and broccoli.
I definitely find myself craving more sugar after having sugar. I don’t eat sweets all the time, so I do notice that the second I have one cookie I suddenly want another!
YES! Well, maybe I did eat cookies for weeks but that was totally under the guise of recipe testing….