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Home » Recipes » Beef

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Modified: Apr 22, 2025 by Kori Butler · Published: Apr 18, 2021

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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.

Mongolian beef served in a white bowl and garnished with extra Asian sauce and sesame seeds.Pin
Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • It's a must-make.
  • What you'll need.
  • Make it your way.
  • Flexible dietary swaps.
  • How to make this beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe.
  • How to serve it.
  • Kori's tips.
  • Storing and reheating suggestions.
  • 📖 The recipe.
  • Keep the good eats going.
  • 💬 What readers are saying.

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.

Beef and broccoli recipe stir fry ingredients on a white board.

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.

Prepping the beef and broccoli stir fry recipe by seasoning the beef in a glass bowl and mixing thickener.Pin

Prep

Mix the xanthan gum and some of the oil. Toss the beef with salt and pepper. Microwave the broccoli until crisp tender.

Cooking the beef slices in a cast iron skillet.Pin

Stir fry the beef.

Stir fry the beef just until it's cooked through—overcooking can make it tough and chewy.

Adding the sauce ingredients and the beef and broccoli back to the skillet.Pin

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.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Pinterest pin with a white bowl of beef and broccoli over riced cauliflower.Pin

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

square closeup image of mongolian beef and broccoli served in a white bowl and garnished with sesame seeds.

Healthy Beef and Broccoli Recipe Stir Fry

Skip the takeout—this beef and broccoli stir fry recipe brings bold, crave-worthy flavor to your kitchen in 30 minutes flat. I'm talking tender beef, perfectly crisp broccoli, and a delicious sesame ginger sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite spot (but better). It’s high-protein, low carb, and totally customizable for your lifestyle. One pan, zero fuss, serious flavor.
4.69 from 16 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Beef Recipes
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 5 servings
Calories 332 kcal

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!

Video

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
RECIPE UPDATE: This recipe was updated on 4/22/25 based on reader feedback to clarify and simplify the steps, and to better balance sodium levels across various soy sauce substitutes.
TIPS: If your beef is sliced thinner than ¼", cook only 1 to 1½ minutes per side.
SERVING SUGGESTION: Delicious served over riced cauliflower or steamed rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 6.1gProtein: 29.3gFat: 21.5gCholesterol: 75.3mgSodium: 602mgFiber: 2.2gSugar: 1.7g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

Keep the good eats going.

Here's a few more Asian inspired recipes I know you'll love.

  • Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
  • Instant Pot Pepper Steak
  • Crockpot Cashew Chicken
  • Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
  • Coconut Cauliflower Rice
  • How to Make Cauliflower Rice
  • Fried Rice Recipe
  • Best Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
  • Pineapple and Tofu Fried Rice

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon

    January 24, 2023 at 12:53 pm

    This was delicious, next time I will probably omit added salt as aminos is already very salty. I served with cauliflower fried rice 😋

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      January 25, 2023 at 8:08 am

      Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂 I'm inspired to make it this week!

      Reply
  2. Kim CA

    February 17, 2022 at 8:55 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Kori

      February 23, 2022 at 10:53 am

      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

      Reply
  3. Sara Amby

    June 07, 2021 at 9:32 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Sara Amby

      June 07, 2021 at 9:32 pm

      (I meant I couldn’t find sesame oil)

      Reply
    • Kori

      June 08, 2021 at 7:50 am

      Thank you for trying the Mongolian Beef!! I'm so happy you loved it. Great idea with the Mongolian oil - that sounds quite tasty

      Reply
  4. Diane

    February 15, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    Is it 21 carbs for the whole recipe
    or 1/6 of the recipe?

    Reply
    • Kori

      February 16, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      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.

      Reply
4.69 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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Image of Kori Butler Seeking Good Eats Founder

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

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