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Low Carb Beef & Broccoli - A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 1 to 1.25 pounds flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Broccoli: 1 large head (about 6 cups florets) or 2 small heads
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, grated or minced
  • Avocado or olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (to finish)
  • Coconut aminos or tamari (low sodium): 1/3 cup
  • Beef or chicken broth: 1/3 cup, low sodium
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Low-carb sweetener (optional): 1–2 teaspoons allulose, erythritol, or monk fruit
  • Thickener: 1–1.5 teaspoons xanthan gum or 2 teaspoons glucomannan (konjac) powder
  • Red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional): For heat
  • Sesame seeds (optional): For garnish
  • Scallions (optional): 2–3, thinly sliced for serving
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef: Freeze the steak for 20–30 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Prep the broccoli: Cut into small, even florets. Rinse and pat dry so it sears instead of steams in the pan.
  3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk coconut aminos or tamari, broth, rice vinegar, low-carb sweetener (if using), and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sprinkle in xanthan gum while whisking to avoid clumps. Set aside.
  4. Blanch the broccoli (optional but recommended): Boil water and cook florets 1–2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and run under cold water. Pat dry.
  5. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat.
  6. Sear the beef in batches: Add a single layer of beef and sear 60–90 seconds per side until browned but still tender. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil as needed.
  7. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add 1 teaspoon oil if needed. Stir in garlic and ginger for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
  8. Cook the broccoli: Add broccoli to the pan and toss with the aromatics. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes to heat through and pick up some color.
  9. Combine and sauce: Return beef and any juices to the pan. Pour in the sauce, tossing to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings.
  10. Finish and taste: Drizzle with sesame oil. Taste and adjust with more tamari, vinegar, or sweetener for balance. Add chili oil if you like heat.
  11. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve as-is, over cauliflower rice, or with zucchini noodles for a low-carb base.