Looking for a beef and broccoli stir fry recipe that’s healthy, satisfying, and better than takeout? This one-pan wonder is your new go-to! It’s packed with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet-savory sesame ginger sauce that hits all the right notes—and it has no added sugar, high in protein, and low carb.

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The backstory.
This recipe was born out of a serious takeout craving—specifically for my longtime favorite: Mongolian beef and broccoli. One night, I bet myself I could make a healthier version faster than delivery could hit my doorstep from my favorite local Chinese restaurant… and I won. Now it’s a go-to in our house: bold, cozy, better-for-you, and done in under 30 minutes. Even my house full of men were obsessed.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
30-Minute Meal. Ready in under a 30-minutes, it's perfect for those nights when you want something fast but still homemade and nourishing.
One Pan Clean-Up. Fewer dishes, less mess—because the only thing better than a delicious dinner is an easy cleanup afterward.
Healthy, High-Protein, and Low Carb. Fuel your body with real food that satisfies—this dish is protein-packed and naturally low in carbs, no complicated swaps needed.
Tastes Better Than Takeout (Seriously!). That sweet and savory sauce is so good, you’ll forget all about the delivery menu—and you control what goes in.
I made this on a bet with myself… and I totally beat the delivery driver. 😉
What you'll need.
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—it’s mostly for the sauce and comes together fast. Here's the lineup for this beef and broccoli recipe stir fry:
- Sirloin Steak – Thinly sliced against the grain (or use pre-sliced sizzle steak to save time)
- Broccoli – Steam it quickly in the microwave for a head start
- Olive Oil – Or avocado, coconut oil, or even lard if you prefer
- Garlic + Ginger Paste – Use fresh or convenient tube options
- Coconut Aminos – For a gluten-free soy sauce swap (or use tamari or soy sauce)
- Brown Sugar Substitute – I use monk fruit sweetener, but regular brown sugar works if you’re not low carb or reduced sugar
- Sesame Oil
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adjust for your spice preference
- Scallions + Sesame Seeds
- Salt + Pepper
If you want more stir fry ideas be sure to make this plant-based Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry, this quick and easy 30-Minute Low Carb Keto Stir Fry with Shrimp, or this delicious Easy Ground Pork Stir Fry Recipe.
Make it your way.
- Not low carb? Use regular soy sauce and brown sugar.
- Swap broccoli for cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Don’t want to use a thickener? Simmer the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.
- A slurry of corn starch and cold water can be used as a thickener if you don't have xanthan gum. Start with 2 to 3 teaspoons of corn starch whisked together with the same amount of cold water.
- Grated or finely minced fresh ginger can be used in place of ginger paste. I just use the paste because I'm looking for shortcuts.
- Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil can be used.
- Prefer mild heat? Start with ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes and adjust to taste.
Flexible dietary swaps.
This healthy beef and broccoli recipe is easy to adapt to fit a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Low Carb - Stick with coconut aminos and a brown sugar substitute like monk fruit to keep it low in carbs and free from added sugar.
- Gluten-Free - Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your thickener and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free - This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no swaps are needed!
- Soy-Free - Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce or tamari, and confirm your brown sugar substitute is soy-free too.
- Low Sodium - use low sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce. Reduce the amount of salt coating the beef and the amount of soy sauce used.
- Vegetarian and Vegan - Swap the beef for high-protein plant options like extra-firm tofu or seared tempeh, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
How to make this beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe.
This beef and broccoli stir fry is super straightforward and totally weeknight-friendly.
Prep
Mix the xanthan gum and some of the oil. Toss the beef with salt and pepper. Microwave the broccoli until crisp tender.
Stir fry the beef.
Stir fry the beef just until it's cooked through—overcooking can make it tough and chewy.
Sauce and finish.
Stir fry garlic and scallions, add sauce ingredients and cook until thickened. Toss in beef, broccoli, and garnish.
How to serve it.
Wondering how to plate up this beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe? Here are a few easy, delicious ways to serve it up:
- Over cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner
- Paired with steamed jasmine rice for a classic touch
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld twist
Kori's tips.
- Thin slices = quick cooking! Keep beef slices around ¼ inch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for a good sear.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Storing and reheating suggestions.
Store cooled leftover beef and broccoli stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave on low power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until warmed through.
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📖 The recipe.
Healthy Beef and Broccoli Recipe Stir Fry
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum or 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided (you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1¼ to 1½ pounds sirloin steak or eye of round (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5 scallions (diagonally sliced 1" pieces)
- 3 teaspoons ginger paste
- ¼ to ½ cup coconut aminos sauce (tamari sauce, liquid aminos, or soy sauce can be used according to your dietary needs. Start with ¼ cup and add more to taste.)
- ½ cup brown sugar substitute (sweetener substitute should have a 1:1 sugar ratio, or regular brown sugar can be used)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste)
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve xanthan gum in 2 teaspoons of the olive oil and set aside.
- In a covered microwave-safe dish, steam broccoli florets with ¼ cup water for 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water, set the broccoli aside and keep warm. (Note: By partially cooking the broccoli ahead of time, it makes the stir-frying process go a lot quicker!)
- Dry beef and place in a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat all of the beef.
- Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the pan is hot. Lay slices of meat in the skillet, so they are flat. Cook the beef until brown, turn over, and brown the other side. Approximately 2 minutes total. Do not overcrowd the pan. Work in small batches if you have to. Remove the beef slices with a slotted spoon or spatula. Cover with foil and keep warm.
- Add in garlic and scallions and stir fry for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in ginger paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and xanthan gum mixture. Stir until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the broccoli and beef back to the pan. Stir fry just until warm.
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Stir until combined. Serve and enjoy!
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© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™
Keep the good eats going.
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Sharon
This was delicious, next time I will probably omit added salt as aminos is already very salty. I served with cauliflower fried rice 😋
seekinggoodeats
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂 I'm inspired to make it this week!
Kim CA
I am making the dish tonight for the second time. But this time, instead of slices, I am using sirloin tips. I will adjust the cooking time, but do you think it's ok?
Kori
That is a great idea! I think I would just eyeball it and cook them until they are just done with a some pink still inside so they aren't too tough. I don't think the time different will be too much depending upon the size. Enjoy! 🙂 Let me know how it turned out
Sara Amby
This is so dang good! I am making it again for the second time tonight. Kids love it. I could find sesame oil but I found fire Mongolian oil which contained sesame oil and other things. Still fabulous with a little kick!
Sara Amby
(I meant I couldn’t find sesame oil)
Kori
Thank you for trying the Mongolian Beef!! I'm so happy you loved it. Great idea with the Mongolian oil - that sounds quite tasty
Diane
Is it 21 carbs for the whole recipe
or 1/6 of the recipe?
Kori
It is for 1/6 of the recipe. There are only 3.6 net carbs in this recipe. This recipe uses Swerve brown sugar substitute which is the contributor to the total carb and dietary fiber count. Because the ingredients in the sugar substitute do not affect blood sugar, the carbohydrates it contains are considered non-impact, or zero.