Keto beef and broccoli tastes like the takeout favorite, but the sauce is built on coconut aminos, garlic, and fresh ginger instead of sugar and cornstarch. A tiny pinch of xanthan gum gives it that glossy, clingy finish.
A serving has 6 g net carbs and 39 g of protein for about 352 calories. A typical restaurant order can carry 40 g of carbs or more, most of it from the sauce and rice.
Stir-fries are easy to scale up or down. If you’re still dialing in your portions, my free macro calculator tells you how much protein to aim for at dinner.
- 6 g net carbs and 39 g protein per serving, about 352 calories.
- Slice the flank steak thin, against the grain. This is the single biggest factor in tender beef.
- Coconut aminos replace soy sauce and sugar, giving a sweet-savory flavor that’s naturally gluten-free.
- Sear in batches over high heat. Crowding the pan steams the beef instead of browning it.
- Ready in about 25 minutes, start to finish, in one skillet.
Why This Works on Keto
Takeout is one of the biggest hidden carb sources for people starting keto. The meat and vegetables are fine; it’s the sweet, starchy sauces and the rice that pile up. Make the sauce yourself and the dish flips from a problem to a staple.
Flank steak is lean, protein-dense, and full of beefy flavor. Broccoli brings fiber, vitamin C, and volume, so the plate looks and feels generous.
Coconut aminos do contain some natural sugar, so this recipe uses just enough for flavor. The ginger and garlic carry the rest, which keeps the net carbs comfortably in keto range.
A Few Notes on the Ingredients
Flank steak slices most easily when it’s partly frozen. Put it in the freezer for 20 minutes, then cut thin strips across the visible grain lines.
Coconut aminos are a soy-free seasoning made from coconut sap. They’re milder and slightly sweeter than soy sauce. If you use tamari instead, cut the amount in half since it’s much saltier.
Broccoli florets should be bite-size so they cook quickly. Steaming them for a couple of minutes in the covered pan keeps them bright green and crisp-tender.
Xanthan gum thickens the sauce the way cornstarch would, at a fraction of the carbs. Sprinkle it in slowly while stirring, since a little goes a long way.
Keto Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain. Pat dry and season with the salt.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Whisk the coconut aminos, beef broth, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Sear half the beef in a single layer, 1 to 2 minutes per side, until browned. Move to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef.
- Add the remaining oil and the broccoli to the pan with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the sauce while stirring. Simmer 1 minute until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Return the beef and any juices to the pan and toss to coat. Top with sliced green onion and sesame seeds and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
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- Swap the protein: Use thinly sliced chicken thighs or peeled shrimp; adjust the searing time.
- Serve it over something: Cauliflower rice soaks up the sauce like the real thing.
- More heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chili garlic paste.
- Different veg: Snow peas, sliced mushrooms, or bok choy all work alongside or instead of broccoli.
- Richer sauce: Finish with an extra teaspoon of toasted sesame oil off the heat.
Storage, Leftovers, and Serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight as the beef soaks up the sauce.
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Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water for 3 to 4 minutes, or microwave covered for about 90 seconds. Freezing works but softens the broccoli.
Serve over cauliflower rice with extra green onion. For more fast weeknight meals, browse my keto dinner recipes.
Where I shop
Where I Buy My Pantry Staples
Thrive Market is the online grocery membership I use for pantry staples. It is handy for the oils, nuts, seeds, spices and gluten-free basics that recipes like this one call for, delivered to your door.
Get 40% off your first order →Referral link: new members get 40% off their first order (up to $30), and Thrive Market gives me store credit if you join. I only recommend products I use myself or recommend to my clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Coconut Aminos Keto?
In small amounts, yes. Coconut aminos have a few grams of carbs per tablespoon, so they fit when you measure them rather than pour freely. This recipe uses three tablespoons across four servings.
How Do I Keep the Beef Tender?
Slice it thin against the grain, pat it dry, and sear it quickly over high heat in batches. Then add it back to the sauce only at the end. Long simmering is what turns flank steak chewy.
How Many Carbs Are in Keto Beef and Broccoli?
Each serving has about 6 g net carbs, 39 g protein, and 17 g fat. Skipping the sugar, cornstarch, and rice is what keeps it low.
Your This-Week Plan
Here’s the experiment: on the next night you’re tempted to order takeout, time yourself making this instead. Most people are eating in under 30 minutes. Notice how you feel the next morning compared with a typical takeout night, especially your energy and any bloating.
This recipe is for general education, not medical advice. Nutrition values are estimates and will vary with brands. If you’re pregnant, have a health condition, or take medication for blood sugar or blood pressure, check with your doctor before starting keto.
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