Keto friendly beef broccoli

I was craving takeout on a rainy Tuesday but didn't want to derail my keto progress, so I decided to recreate that sizzling beef and broccoli I always ordered. The kitchen smelled like garlic and ginger within minutes, and I realized I'd been missing out by not making this at home sooner. It came together faster than the delivery would have arrived, and tasted even better.

The first time I made this for my family, my husband looked up from his plate and asked if I'd secretly ordered in. My daughter, who usually picks around vegetables, ate every piece of broccoli without complaint. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Ingredients

• Flank steak or sirloin: Slice it thin and against the grain so every bite is tender, not chewy.
• Baking soda: This might seem odd, but a quick marinade with it makes the beef incredibly soft and velvety.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh is best here, they hold up to high heat and add that satisfying crunch.
• Garlic and ginger: These two are the heartbeat of the dish, bringing warmth and depth to every bite.
• Coconut aminos: A slightly sweeter, soy-free alternative that keeps this keto-friendly and full of umami.
• Sesame oil: Just a tablespoon adds a toasty, nutty richness that ties everything together.
• Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener: A tiny bit balances the savory sauce without adding carbs.
• Avocado oil: It handles high heat beautifully and doesn't overpower the other flavors.

Instructions

Marinate the beef:

Toss the sliced beef with coconut aminos and baking soda, then let it sit for 10 minutes. You'll notice the texture soften as the baking soda works its magic.

Mix the sauce:

Whisk together coconut aminos, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweetener, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Set it within arm's reach so you can pour it in quickly later.

Sear the beef:

Heat your skillet or wok until it's smoking hot, add oil, then lay the beef in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two to get that caramelized crust, then flip and remove to a plate.

Bloom the aromatics:

Toss in the garlic, ginger, and scallions, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until your kitchen smells incredible.

Cook the broccoli:

Add the broccoli and a tablespoon of water, stir-frying for 2 minutes, then cover briefly to steam. You want it bright green and just tender, not mushy.

Bring it all together:

Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything quickly over high heat. The sauce will cling to the beef and broccoli, thickening slightly as it coats each piece.

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One Sunday evening, I doubled the recipe and packed the leftovers into meal prep containers. All week long, I had a quick lunch ready that felt indulgent but kept me on track. It reheated beautifully and reminded me that eating well doesn't have to be complicated.

Serving Suggestions

I love spooning this over a big bowl of cauliflower rice to soak up all that garlicky sauce. You can also serve it on its own for an even lighter meal, or toss in some extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas if you have them on hand.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Customizations and Swaps

If you're not strict keto, a drizzle of honey works beautifully in place of the sweetener. You can swap the beef for chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu if you want to change things up. I've also used snap peas and bok choy when I didn't have broccoli, and it was just as delicious.

• Add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or cashews for extra crunch.
• Double the ginger if you love that bright, zingy flavor.
• Use gluten-free tamari instead of coconut aminos for a deeper, saltier taste.

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This stir fry has become my go-to on busy weeknights when I need something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. I hope it brings the same ease and comfort to your table that it's brought to mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What cut of beef works best for this stir fry?

Flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain provides tenderness and cooks evenly in the stir fry.

→ How can I keep the broccoli crisp-tender?

After stir-frying, steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes with a splash of water; this ensures a bright color and perfect texture.

→ Can I substitute coconut aminos in the sauce?

Yes, tamari or gluten-free soy sauce can be used to maintain the savory, umami flavor without added gluten.

→ How does the baking soda affect the beef?

Baking soda helps tenderize the beef by gently breaking down muscle fibers for a softer bite.

→ What oils are recommended for stir frying?

Avocado oil or light olive oil are ideal due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.