Homemade Beef and Broccoli

Why You'll Love It

30 Minutes 1 Pan

In 30 minutes or less, you can have this delicious homemade Chinese recipe made at home - with only one pan! No Chinese takeout is required. 

Better Than Takeout

I don't know what it is, but I've always loved Mongolian beef and broccoli. I love the combination of the sweetness and saltiness with the beef and broccoli.

While I love Chinese food, I sometimes have strange reactions to the msg and salt, so I've started this much healthier version at home. I've found I actually like it more than takeout 🙂

This recipe passed my "teen test," and all three boys unanimously LOVED this recipe! I did not tell them I made the low-carb healthy version either! I'll keep that a secret.

Homemade Beef and Broccoli Ingredients

There are 14 ingredients in this recipe, including salt and pepper. It's mostly all to make the sauce so it's super easy. Here's the list:

• Xanthan gum or cornstarch - xanthan gum is a low-carb thickener used in many keto dishes. You only need a tiny bit - a little goes a long way. You can also use cornstarch.
• Olive oil - you can also use avocado oil, coconut oil, or lard.
• Broccoli - cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. While many recipes saute the broccoli to cook it, I microwave steam first (only 3 minutes) - it's much quicker!
• Sirloin Steak - cut into ¼" slices. You can also use the eye of round or sizzle steak. The last time I made this, I used sizzle steak (very thin slices of beef chuck shoulder). It worked like a charm - saved me from slicing, and they cooked faster, only 1 to 1½ minutes per side.
• Kosher Salt - sea salt can also be used
• Pepper
• Garlic - minced. You can use fresh, or if you're in a hurry, you can use jarred minced garlic.
• Ginger paste - to make it easier, I usually just buy the tubes of ginger paste.
• Coconut aminos sauce - the keto-friendly version of soy sauce. You can also use tamari (also keto-friendly) and soy sauce.
• Brown sugar substitute - I used a monk fruit blend with a 1:1 sugar ratio. You can also use regular brown sugar if you are not a low-carb and keto follower.
• Sesame oil - this recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. If you are not a sesame lover, you can use less. If you love it feel free to use more!
• Red pepper flakes - the recipe calls for ½ teaspoon, and the dish will be medium spicy, use ¼ teaspoon for mild spice.
• Scallions - cut them on a diagonal for a prettier and more "authentic" look. (I'm probably the only one who cares about this, though) 🙂
• Sesame seeds

Substitutions and Variations

• If you are not a low carb or keto follower, you can use regular brown sugar and soy sauce.
• Feel free to substitute some or all of the broccoli with other vegetables. Some ideas are cauliflower florets, zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms.
• If you do not want to use a thickener you can cook the sauce until it is slightly reduced. Because this is reducing the sauce slightly you may need adjust seasoning with coconut aminos.
• Use less red pepper flakes if you like your heat mild, use ½ teaspoon if you like a medium spice.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

Prep

• To help things run smoother I highly suggest you prep all ingredients in advance and have them ready to go.
• In a small bowl, dissolve xanthan gum in 2 teaspoons olive oil and set aside.

Microwave the Broccoli

• In a covered microwave-safe dish, steam broccoli florets with ¼ cup water, 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender when pierced with a fork. Drain water and set aside.

Stir Fry Beef

• Pat the beef dry with a paper towel. In a medium sized bowl add steak, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
• Heat ¼ cup olive in a large skillet over medium-high heat until pan is hot. Lay slices of meat in the skillet, so they are flat.

Tip: Your pan may continue to get hotter as you cook. Adjust the temperature down as needed.

• Cook meat until brown, turn over, and brown the other side (cook approx. 2 minutes per side). Do not overcrowd the pan; work in small batches if you have to. Note: if your beef is sliced thinner than ¼", cook only 1 to 1½ minutes per side.
• Set meat slices aside on a plate and cover with foil.

Make Stir Fry Sauce

Add ginger paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and xanthan gum mixture. Stir until the sauce starts to thicken.

Garlic and Scallions

• Add garlic and scallions to the skillet and saute for 1 minute.

Finish

• Turn off heat, add beef (plus juices), broccoli, and sesame seeds. Stir together until combined.