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:
I made the recipe as directed, but I found it to be too salty. I will try reduced-sodium soy sauce in the future.
Hi Dee- thanks for the feedback. Are you letting the steak strips soak for longer than needed? This can make the beef salty. but yes, using low sodium soy sauce is a great option.
Best keto beef and broccoli ever!
Lemon juice is referred to in the introduction but does not appear in the actual recipe. Where was lemon juice added and how much was used?
This tastes even better than takeout- give yourself more credit, boy!
Aw, Mandy- you are too sweet. I appreciate your kind words and review!
Step 2: 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.
This was so good! I will be keeping the recipe in the rotation for sure!
I Love Asian foods. I am anxious to give this a try. Looks soooooo Yummy
best keto beef and broccoli that tastes better than any restaurant!
So delicious and so easy to make. This is the second time making this. I get my Flank steaks at Sams Club. They seem to be the best prices.
I made this . Its very good.
Made this with venison meat. It was really good. I didn’t have enough soy sauce on hand, so I made up the difference with teriyaki & worcestershire sauce. My husband isn’t focused on carbs, so I made a small batch of wild rice to add to his serving. Will definitely make this again.
Made it for dinner last night, and my Sauce-Snob husband raved! I only had a reduced sodium Soy Sauce on hand, but it worked fine. I loved how simple this was to make. It’s definitely going to be on the menu again at my house! Thank you!
I omitted the garlic as I’m sensitive and subbed coconut aminos for the soy sauce. It tastes amazing. I’m so impressed. I love so many of your dessert recipes and keto bread recipes, this one most definitely did not disappoint. So much flavor. I will say I probably only had a cup or two of broccoli and about 1.5lb of beef so I have some extra sauce… but I’ll just marinate the hamburger steaks I have with the leftover. Thanks for sharing this recipe, Arman. Always love experimenting with the recipes you have!!
GREAT Flavoring! 5 stars for sure.
We are on the keto diet, so I modified the recipe a bit. Loved it!
I had a similar express broccoli beef at a restaurant recently and found myself craving it and wondering if I could recreate it today. Thanks, Arman for sharing!
Hey great work Arman. I had never tried Broccoli Beef from Panda. But after reading your blog and seeing the snap of the majestic food, I tried. Oh Boy! It was great. And now I am going to really try it out just like how you had done. Thanks man…I am simply going bazinga over this…Never thought beef would go this well with broccoli.
No worries at all- Glad you enjoyed it, Edgar!