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Easy Healthy Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry (Paleo/Whole30)

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Flavor-packed healthy beef and broccoli stir fry recipe is made with fresh, whole ingredients, ready in 25 minutes, and is super easy to make. Gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30.

Healthy beef and broccoli stir fry in large skillet. It is topped with sesame seeds, green onion, and red pepper flakes.

We’ve been making this healthy beef & broccoli stir fry for years and it always hits the spot! Super easy to make, packed with protein and veggies, and has an easy sweet and savory sauce with a little kick that makes the dish. And I know exactly what is going into it, unlike your typical take-out.

Chinese was a staple for us growing up during the cooler months. My mom loves it and once the weather got cold, we would probably get it a couple of times a month, either on the weekend or when she didn’t feel like cooking. I never ordered beef & broccoli though – I was more of a sweet & sour chicken kind of girl (aka chicken nuggets).

But Michael loves beef and broccoli and introduced it to me a while back and I absolutely love making it at home when the craving hits!

Beef and broccoli recipe in bowl on top of white rice. It is topped with sesame seeds, green onion, and a lime wedge. Behind it is another bowl and a small bowl of sesame seeds.

Is Chinese beef and broccoli healthy?

Chinese beef and broccoli can be a healthy dish as it is loaded with protein, has veggies and fiber, and healthy fats. Making it at home ensures you know exactly what is going into it, as getting it out it can be loaded with sodium and sugars.

One cup of this healthy beef and broccoli has 217 calories, 18 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbs, 10 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber. It is also loaded with vitamin B3, B6, B12, vitamin C, vitamin K, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

Does beef and broccoli have carbs?

Yes, this homemade beef and broccoli will have carbs due to the broccoli and coconut aminos. The majority of carbs are coming from the sauce. Coconut aminos are higher in carbohydrates than your typical soy sauce, so to decrease the number of carbs, you can use soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce).

Beef and broccoli ingredients

Overhead shot of a white counter with a bottle of sesame oil, bottle of coconut aminos, limes, small cup of broth, plate of garlic, ginger, spices, and a small bowl of oil, plate of thinly sliced steak, plate of broccoli florets, and a small bowl of flour.

How to make  beef & broccoli

  1. In a small bowl or jar, make the sauce by combining the coconut aminos, broth, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Add two tablespoons of the sauce in another small bowl along with the arrowroot flour and mix well. Set both of them aside.
  2. Next, prep your ingredients by slicing the steak into thin strips and the broccoli into florets.
  3. Liberally season the sliced steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, and let it get hot. Add slices of beef, without overcrowding, and cook 30 seconds per side. Remove from pan and repeat with remaining beef (I had to do this in 3 batches).
  4. Leaving the beef juices in the pan, add broccoli. Add 2 tablespoons of the stir-fry sauce (not the one with the arrowroot), mix well, and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Remove from the pan and set aside (leave behind any juices).
  5. Then, add remaining sauce as well as the arrowroot sauce to the pan. Reduce to medium-low and cook until thickened and coats the back of a spoon (nappe consistency), about 2-3 minutes. Add the beef and broccoli back to the pan, leaving behind their juices, and stir to combine and heat through about 1 minute. Be careful not to add the liquid from the beef and broccoli as it will thin the sauce.
  6. Serve with cauliflower or white rice, top with optional toppings, and enjoy!
  • Large skillet with raw thinly sliced flank steak in it.
  • Large skillet with cooked thinly sliced flank steak in it.
  • Large skillet with cooked broccoli in it.

What is the best cut of meat for stir fry?

Using the right kind of beef can make or break your stir fry. I love using flank steak as it is a little leaner, but still has some fat to give it flavor. Sirloin steak and skirt steak are also good choices. Cooking the beef quickly over medium-high heat will give you tender beef.

What is beef and broccoli sauce made of?

Beef and broccoli sauce ingredients consist of coconut aminos, broth, lime juice, sesame oil, fresh ginger and garlic, red pepper flakes, and a little arrowroot flour. They come together to make the perfect sweet and savory sauce with a little bit of spice.

The two main ingredients that you might not be familiar with are coconut aminos and arrowroot flour.

  • Coconut aminos are a gluten-free soy sauce substitute that comes from the sap of a coconut tree, giving them a slight sweetness in flavor. This brand is my favorite.
  • Arrowroot flour is a gluten-free and grain-free flour that is used as a thickener in some cooking and a flour in baking.
  • Measuring cup filled with coconut aminos, broth, lime juice, sesame oil, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, and red pepper flakes. Next to is in fresh ginger and half a lime.
  • Small bowl of beef broccoli sauce with flour mixed into it. Next to it a larger cup of more sauce.
Beef and broccoli sauce in a saute pan with a spatula running through it.

What to serve with beef and broccoli

  • white or brown rice
  • quinoa
  • cauliflower rice
  • over noodles (zucchini, pasta…)

Beef & broccoli meal prep

Beef & broccoli makes great for meal prep. If you have a family of 4 or want leftovers, I would suggest doubling the recipe. Michael and I can eat almost the whole recipe it’s that good.

If making it in advance, be careful not to overcook the meat as it will cook some when you are heating it up.

I haven’t tried freezing this, but I think it should work.

Tips for the best beef and broccoli

  • Make sure you cut your beef very thin. I suggest popping it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes so it is easier to slice, cutting against the grain, and using a sharp knife. Check out this turtorial! I usually just do 10-15 minutes, but will depend on how thick your meat is.
  • Cut your beef and broccoli florets into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Season your beef with salt and pepper to give it some flavor.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the beef when cooking – I do mine in a few batches. It will come back in the pan at the end so keep that in mind as well. No one likes overcooked beef.
  • Be careful not to add the beef and broccoli juice back into the pan. While the beef and broccoli are sitting while you make the sauce, they will give off some juice. While there is flavor in there (especially the beef juices), if you add them back to the pan, it will thin the sauce.
Large skillet with cooked broccoli and cooked steak top on of beef and broccoli sauce before it is mixed together.

Substitutions or additions

  • flank steak – sirloin steak or skirt steak can also be used.
  • veggies – feel free to add more veggies if you like. This will make it a little less authentic, but onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots would all be great additions.
  • coconut aminos – low sodium soy sauce or tamari will work instead, it will just change the flavor a bit. Using either one of those will lower the carbs in the recipe. If using soy sauce, the recipe will not be gluten-free. Do not use liquid aminos as they are way too salty.
  • broth – you can use either beef broth or veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
  • fresh garlic – you can use garlic powder instead. If using garlic powder, use 1 teaspoon
  • fresh ginger – you can use ground ginger instead. If using ground ginger, use 1 teaspoon.
  • arrowroot flour – tapioca flour or cornstarch can be used instead of arrowroot.
  • oil – any kind of neutral oil will work

More healthy dinner recipes

Easy beef and broccoli recipe in a large skillet. It is topped with sesame seeds. Next to the skillet is a small bowl of sesame seeds, a bowl green onion and limes, and a bowl of rice.
Healthy beef and broccoli stir fry in large skillet. It is topped with sesame seeds, green onion, and red pepper flakes.
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4.23 from 54 votes

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Flavor-packed healthy beef and broccoli stir fry recipe is made with fresh, whole ingredients, ready in 25 minutes, and is super easy to make. Gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword beef and broccoli recipe, beef and broccoli stir fry, easy beef and broccoli, healthy beef and broccoli recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 cups
Calories 217kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced)*
  • 7 cups broccoli florets (415 grams/ 2 large heads)
  • 1/3 cup coconut aminos
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger (about 2 inches)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes…
  • for serving: white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice…

Instructions

  • In a small bowl or jar, make the sauce by combining the coconut aminos, broth, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Add two tablespoons of the sauce in another small bowl along with the arrowroot flour and mix well. Set both of them aside.
  • Liberally season the sliced steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, and let it get hot. Add slices of beef, without overcrowding, and cook 30 seconds per side. Remove from pan and repeat with remaining beef (I had to do this in 3 batches).
  • Leaving the beef juices in the pan, add broccoli. Add 2 tablespoons of the stir-fry sauce (not the one with the arrowroot), mix well, and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Remove from the pan and set aside (leave behind any juices).
  • Add remaining sauce as well as the arrowroot sauce to the pan, mixing to combine. Reduce to medium-low and cook until thickened and coats the back of a spoon (nappe consistency), about 2-3 minutes. Add the beef and broccoli back to the pan, leaving behind their juices, and stir to combine and heat through about 1 minute. Be careful not to add the liquid from the beef and broccoli as it will thin the sauce.
  • Serve with cauliflower or white rice, top with optional toppings, and enjoy!

Notes

*to thinly slice the steak, I suggest popping it in the freezer for 10 minutes so it is easier to slice, cutting against the grain, and using a sharp knife.
Make sure to use coconut aminos (this brand is my favorite.) and not liquid aminos as those will make the recipe way to salty.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 217 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 3.1g19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 52mg17%
Sodium 520mg23%
Potassium 497mg14%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 6.8g8%
Protein 18g36%
Vitamin A 436IU9%
Vitamin C 65mg79%
Calcium 58mg6%
Iron 1.7mg9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Comments

    • Yes, that should work just fine! Dried herbs/spices are usually more concentrated so it’s recommended to do about 1/3 the amount. The fresh ginger is about a tablespoon, so I would use a teaspoon. Let me know how it goes!

      Reply

  4. 5 stars
    We loved this recipe! Doubled it for lunch leftovers. I actually steam my broccoli in the microwave for 3 minutes or so, leaves it nice and crisp, just like take-out!

    Reply

  5. This was SOOO good! I did not have spicy sesame oil so I did half sesame oil / half hot sauce. I also don’t think I tolerate cauliflower all that well so I put the beef and broccoli over garlic mashed potatoes. Topped it with sesame seeds and green onions. Thanks for making Day 8 of my Whole30 darn good!

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    Just made this tonight. I have to say it was wonderful and better than what I would get for takeout. And better for me!! I was worried I wouldn’t have enough sauce but there is no need to worry. Two containers are waiting for lunches!!

    Reply

  8. 5 stars
    This is one of my family’s go to recipes! It’s quick, simple and absolutely delicious.

    The tip about freezing the beef for a few minutes is a tots game changer!

    We typically serve with cauliflower rice and double up the sauce. It reheats and freezes well

    Reply

  9. 5 stars
    This was SO GOOD & so simple! My boyfriend also enjoyed it! It was our first time doing Whole30 & I used a lot of these recipes! Will definitely make again!

    Reply

    • Yes, I think so! The flavor would be a little different as ground beef is a little fattier, but still delicious! I would just drain some of the juice out of the pan if there is a lot from the beef. Hope that helps.

      Reply

  11. Made this tonight. Didn’t have sesame seeds (I was out) and I barely had 1/4c aminos left. BUT- it came out amazing. I added a little water to get some more out of the sauce and reduced it a bit less and it’s still so great. Big hit!

    If your family isn’t a big broccoli fan, don’t combine them at the end. Sauce the meat, plate it. Sauce the veggies after, plate it. It’ll keep everything from getting the broccoli taste. Separating them for leftovers, if you even have any, will help that too.

    Reply

  12. 5 stars
    I made this for my family with young kids and they gobbled it up. I added some carrots which were a great addition. My husband hasn’t been a fan of the Whole30 recipes I have found in the past, but this one knocked it out of the park! I am looking forward to trying more on your blog. Thank you 😊

    Reply

    • Yay, so glad to hear that Lynnae! Always love when the whole family approves. Thank you so much for trying it and love that you added some more veggies!

      Reply

  13. 5 stars
    I made this last night and we absolutely loved it! Your tip
    about cooking the steak in small batches and for a very
    short time were appreciated! Made the steak so tender. The
    sauce was amazing! Definite keeper 😋

    Reply

  14. Amazing dinner! Next time I’m going to make 1.5x the sauce– perfect balance of sweet (from the coconut animos) and spicy.

    Reply

  15. 5 stars
    GREAT recipe! Thank you so much. We made this for our weekly meal prep and it was a hit amongst the entire family. We amped up the red pepper a bit because we love spicy food. Other than that we followed it exactly. I look forward to trying more of your recipes. Keep up the great work!

    Reply

    • Hi Elizabeth! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for trying! I love the addition of more red pepper flakes – I love anything spicy too!

      Reply

  16. 5 stars
    So good and easy! My husband and 2 kids loved. Dinner was on the table in less than 30 min. Thank you!!!

    Reply

  17. 1 star
    95 minutes later… 🙄 sauce took almost 20 minutes to thicken even a little bit, then added everything back in & water from broccoli & beef thinned it out again.

    Reply

    • Hi Michael, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve had countless people make this recipe and love it. I know that it depends on what coconut aminos you use as I have had some people try with different brands and it doesn’t get as thick. My favorite coconut aminos is the one I linked in the recipe and have never had any trouble with the thickening up. I made a note about adding the beef back in the mixture. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you, hope it doesn’t deter you from trying another recipe.

      Reply

  18. 5 stars
    Love this website. Love all her meal prep ideas and how she can whip up a recipe from anything! The beef broccoli was one I always wanted to try and it was as good as she says!

    Reply

  19. This is by far the best stir fry that I’ve ever tried! The flavors were so delicious!! Definitely a new staple for my family!

    Reply

  20. This was SO good. I wanted to double it, but ran out of coconut aminos! We’ll be restocking and making this again tonight! If this recipe is this delightful I can’t wait to try more from the website!!

    Reply

  22. 2 stars
    The flavors in the dish sound good in concept, but my God, this has got to be the absolute saltiest stir fry I’ve ever tasted. As is my habit when making a dish for the first time, I followed the recipe exactly. It’s soooooooo salty, to the point of being inedible. I should have known that it would turn out that way when I saw that it called for 3/4 cup of coconut aminos, reduced. I gave the recipe the benefit of the doubt because it was my first time making it and I have only limited experience with coconut aminos. I should have trusted my instincts. If I ever make this dish again, I’ll use only 1/4 cup of aminos and use something like chicken broth for additional liquid to replace the other half cup of aminos.

    Reply

    • Hi Dave. I am sorry to hear you did not like the dish. Beef and broccoli can be a salty dish, but I actually find coconut aminos to be way less salty than the typical soy sauce that is commonly used. Coconut aminos are actually kind of sweet and it depends on what brand you use, which could play a factor as why yours was so salty. I’m not sure if the broth would reduce down into a thick sauce though. I’ve had plenty of people make this dish and enjoy it, but it’s hard to please everyone. I appreciate you trying it would and I hope you try something else from my site. Thanks!

      Reply

  23. 1 star
    I had the same experience as Dave – the dish was SO salty that we couldn’t eat it and had to throw it all away. It smelled so good while it was cooking so it was a bummer when it was inedible. I guess it could be the coconut aminos I used, but it left a bad taste in my mouth, literally, so if I try this recipe again, it will be a while.

    Reply

    • I’m so sorry to hear that Steph. I haven’t experienced that, but I guess it could be personal preference. Hope you give another one of my recipes a try. Thanks!

      Reply

  24. 3 stars
    Holy salt Batman!! I wish that I had read the comments before making it instead of while the sauce was thickening. IF we make this again I will for sure reduce the amount of aminos and just use the sauce on the beef, I’ll add steamed broccoli upon serving.

    Reply

    • UPDATE! I did a little research and discovered that the liquid aminos I used has 390 mg of sodium per teaspoon while the coconut aminos that Kelly recommended only has 90 mg per teaspoon. FOR SURE USE COCONUT AMINOS, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE!!
      We will for sure try this again now that I know where I went wrong. Thanks for your response Kelly!!

      Reply

  27. 5 stars
    Another amazing easy and healthy meal from Kelly! Definitely salty, but if you’re craving Chinese takeout I think that implies you’re prepared for some salt! (My sister commented that it was salty, my dad said “well I like salty food!”) I used thrive market coconut aminos which has 160mg sodium per tsp. I also used frozen broccoli and was careful to avoid adding the liquid back in, but the sauce still thinned out a bit after recombining. I will definitely try fresh broccoli next time (my fault for being lazy and using the frozen broccoli I had). Either way it was delicious!

    Reply

  28. 5 stars
    SO easy & SO delicious! Have made this numerous times & it always hits the spot for our Chinese food cravings. I like to marinade the sliced beef in coconut aminos for about an hour before I cook them. Soaks up even more flavor!

    Reply

  29. 5 stars
    Delicious! Made this for the first time and the entire family loved it. I added some sliced mushrooms with the broccoli -yumm.. Next time I will cook the mushrooms a little first and then add broccoli (we like our broccoli firm.). Thank you for sharing, I’m off to check out more of your recipes 😉

    Reply

  30. 4 stars
    I’m so glad I made this recipe! It turned out delicious and it was so simple to put together! What’s even better my husband loved it!

    Reply

  31. 5 stars
    Made this past week – and will definitely make again soon!
    Delicious, healthy and easy! The recipe also introduced us to coconut amino’s – now finding a permanent place on our dinner table.

    Many thanks!
    Lori

    Reply

    • So glad you enjoyed it Lori and happy to hear you found coconut aminos through it. We love them and use them all the time. Thanks for trying it!

      Reply

  32. 5 stars
    The new update to the recipe is so so good! Sauce came out thicker and was definitely less salty than the first version of the recipe. Thank you Kelly!

    Reply

  35. 5 stars
    Loved this recipe! There were no leftovers in my house! The sauce is really easy to make and full of flavor. I used shaved beef from TJ’s and frozen broccoli for an even quicker dinner.

    Reply

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