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    Home » Recipes » Asian

    Homemade Beef and Broccoli

    Published: Apr 18, 2021 by seekinggoodeats · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Pinterest pinnable image of mongolian beef and broccoli served in a gray bowl ready to eat and enjoy!

    Mongolian Beef and Broccoli (Low Carb Keto Chinese) is better than takeout! You'll love our healthy version of this popular Chinese recipe. Tender beef and broccoli, with a sweet and savory ginger sesame sauce, make this easy dinner amazing. 

    Less than 30 minutes to make and cooked in one pan. It's delicious served on its own or over riced cauliflower. A low carb and keto beef and broccoli that everyone can enjoy! Enjoy!

    Mongolian beef served in a white bowl and garnished with extra Asian sauce and sesame seeds.
    Image: Mongolian Beef and Broccoli | Seeking Good Eats
    Jump to:
    • WATCH: Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
    • You'll love this delicious Beef and Broccoli Keto meal
    • Homemade Beef and Broccoli Ingredients and Tools
    • Keto Beef and Broccoli Variations to Try
    • How to make Beef and Broccoli
    • Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Tips
    • What to serve with Keto Beef and Broccoli
    • Storing and reheating Homemade Beef and Broccoli
    • Recipe
    • More Asian Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    WATCH: Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

    You'll love this delicious Beef and Broccoli Keto meal

    "With tender beef, broccoli, and the amazing Asian sauce, this low carb keto beef and broccoli recipe is a HUGE hit in our house. My family says it's better than takeout." 🙂 -Kori

    One 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.

    Low Carb and Keto Chinese Recipe

    With 21.5 g of fat, 3.9 g of net carbs, 29.3g of protein per serving, keto Mongolian beef works nicely if you follow a low carb gluten-free keto meal plan. 

    Homemade Beef and Broccoli Ingredients and Tools

    Here are the ingredients and tools you'll need to make Low Carb Keto 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 1/4" 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 1 1/2 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 1/2 tsp, and the dish will be medium spicy, use 1/4 tsp 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

    Tools

    • Cutting Board
    • Chefs knife
    • Cast-iron 12" skillet (cast iron is my favorite!) - you can use a wok if you wish, but I found that a flat bottom skillet is easiest for browning the beef.
    • Measuring spoons
    • Dry measuring cups
    • Liquid measuring cups 
    • Microwave safe dish - to steam your broccoli in
    • Mixing spoons

    Keto Beef and Broccoli Variations to Try

    Here are some different ideas to vary this recipe or make substitutions.

    • 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 1/2 tsp if you like a medium spice.

    How to make Beef and Broccoli

    Here's how to make this delicious Mongolian Broccoli and Beef recipe:

    To help things run smoother I highly suggest you prep all ingredients in advance and have them ready to go.

    1. In a small bowl, dissolve xanthan gum in 2 tsp olive oil and set aside (See image 1).
    2. In a covered microwave-safe dish, steam broccoli florets with 1/4 cup water, 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender when pierced with a fork. Drain water and set aside (See image 2).
    2 part image depicting how to make steps 1 and 2. Please see recipe card for full recipe instructions.
    How to Make Mongolian Beef Steps 1 and 2 by Seeking Good Eats

    3. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel. In a medium sized bowl add steak, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.

    4. Heat 1/4 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.

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

    5. 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. Set meat slices aside on a plate and cover with foil. (See image 3)

    Note: if your beef is sliced thinner than 1/4", cook only 1 to 1-1/2 minutes per side.

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

    How to make Sauce for Beef and Broccoli

    1. Add garlic and scallions to the skillet and saute for 1 minute.
    2. Add ginger paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and xanthan gum mixture. Stir until the sauce starts to thicken. (See image 4)

    7. Turn off heat, add beef (plus juices), broccoli, and sesame seeds. (See image 5)

    8. Stir until combined. Serve on its own or over riced cauliflower. (See image 6)

    4 part image depicting how to make steps 3 to 6. Please see recipe card for full recipe instructions.
    Image: How to Make Mongolian Beef Steps 3 through 6 | Seeking Good Eats

    Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Tips

    • Make sure your pan is hot but the oil is not smoking. Place the beef in a little at a time to sear. Once it is seared, turn over and brown. Immediately remove from pan. The beef slices should only be cooking for about 2 minutes on each side. Thinner slices should cook even less.
    • If you couldn't get your beef brown - don't worry. The dish will still taste good! It is better to take the beef out of the pan rather than overcooking it. 

    What to serve with Keto Beef and Broccoli

    Serve with riced cauliflower, or if not following a low carb keto diet with regular rice. You can also wrap the beef and broccoli up in lettuce leaves.

    Storing and reheating Homemade Beef and Broccoli

    Store cooled leftovers 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.

    If you tried this Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Recipe, I'd love for you to come back and give it a star rating and/or a review in the comments. Let's stay connected, so please share photos of your creations with me & others on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! 🙂

    Recipe

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

    Easy Beef and Broccoli (Keto recipe)

    Better than takeout! You'll love our healthy version of this popular Chinese recipe. Tender beef and broccoli, with a sweet and savory ginger sesame sauce, make this dish amazing!  e)
    4.69 from 16 votes
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    Author Kori
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Dish Recipes
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 5 servings
    Calories 332 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum or 2 tsp cornstarch
    • ¼ cup olive oil + 2 tsp you can also use coconut oil or lard
    • 4 cups broccoli florets
    • 1¼ to 1½ pounds sirloin steak or eye of round thinly sliced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 3 cloves of garlic minced
    • 5 scallions diagonally sliced 1" pieces
    • 3 teaspoon ginger paste
    • ½ cup coconut aminos sauce keto-friendly, tamari (keto-friendly), or soy sauce
    • ½ cup brown sugar substitute with a 1:1 sugar ratio, or regular brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ½ tablespoon sesame seeds

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, dissolve xanthan gum in 2 tsp olive oil and set aside.
    • In a covered microwave-safe dish, steam broccoli florets with 1/4 cup water, 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender when pierced with a fork. Drain water and set aside.
    • Dry beef and place in a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat all of the beef.
    • Heat 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 meat 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. Set meat slices aside and cover with foil.
    • Add garlic and scallions to the skillet and saute for 1 minute.
    • Add ginger paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and xanthan gum mixture. Stir until the sauce starts to thicken.
    • Turn off heat, add beef, broccoli, scallions, and sesame seeds. Stir until combined. Serve and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • If your beef is sliced thinner than 1/4", cook only 1 to 1-1/2 minutes per side.
    • SERVING SUGGESTION: Delicious served over riced cauliflower or steamed rice!
    • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/5 th of recipe (approx 1 1/2 cups)Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 6.1gProtein: 29.3gFat: 21.5gCholesterol: 75.3mgSodium: 602mgFiber: 2.2gSugar: 1.7g

    © 2023 Seeking Good Eats™

    More Asian Recipes

    Here are some Asian keto recipes you might like to try:

    • Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
    • Instant Pot Pepper Steak
    • Keto Stir Fry with Shrimp
    • Crockpot Cashew Chicken
    • Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
    • Coconut Cauliflower Rice (Keto Cauliflower Rice)
    • How to Make Cauliflower Rice Easy Ways To Cook Cauliflower
    • Fried Rice Recipe

    Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is so delicious and loaded with flavor! A low carb and keto beef and broccoli recipe that is perfect when you're craving Chinese takeout but want to stay healthy! This healthy recipe is made with tender beef and broccoli and a yummy Asian sauce perfect over cauliflower rice!  #seekinggoodeats #keto #lowcarb #beef #broccoli #dinner #chineserecipe #skillet #healthydinner #sugarfree #asianrecipe

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Diane says

      February 15, 2021 at 7:08 pm

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

      Reply
      • Kori says

        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
    2. Sara Amby says

      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 says

        June 07, 2021 at 9:32 pm

        (I meant I couldn’t find sesame oil)

        Reply
      • Kori says

        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
    3. Kim CA says

      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 says

        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
    4. Sharon says

      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 says

        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

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    Hello! I'm Kori and I am a food LOVER. I've had a lifelong passion for cooking and eating (of course)! At some point that catches up with you, right? Older and wiser, I now watch what I eat more closely. What's the hardest and most frustrating part? Finding recipes that are healthy, easy to make, AND taste great.

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