When you’re craving something comforting, low-carb, and deeply satisfying, this Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's a quick way to get tender, flavorful beef and crisp-tender broccoli glazed in a rich, garlicky sauce. I love making it for busy weeknights or when meal prepping, because it’s easy and hits all those savory, umami notes we all crave on keto.
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Why You’ll Love This Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This recipe blends simplicity and bold flavors in a way that feels special but takes minimal effort. It’s got that perfect balance of tender beef and bright broccoli all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s framed by toasted sesame oil and ginger. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, it’s a go-to that delivers big on taste without the carb load.
- Texture you want: Tender steak slices with crunchy but cooked broccoli.
- Flavor that pops: Garlicky, gingery, umami-rich sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- Everyday ingredients: Uses pantry staples and real food you can trust.
- Works for any night: Quick prep and flexible cooking times.
Ingredient Spotlight
To nail this Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe, pay close attention to your cuts and condiments. Quality beef and fresh broccoli are foundation stones, but don’t overlook the power of your sauce ingredients—fresh garlic, ginger, and a good low-carb sweetener make all the difference.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced, it cooks quickly and stays tender when sliced against the grain.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and firm work best; avoid overcooking to keep that crisp bite.
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce: Choose coconut aminos for a soy-free, lower-sodium swap that still delivers umami.
Seasonality & Sourcing
Broccoli is at its best in fall and spring when it’s crisp and flavorful—grab fresh bunches or pre-trimmed florets from your local market. For beef, picking a good-quality flank steak from a trusted butcher or organic source ensures tenderness after cooking. If flank is pricey or unavailable, skirt or sirloin steak are fine substitutions. Keep an eye on sales and frozen options to stay budget-friendly without compromising quality for this Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Start by thinly slicing the flank steak across the grain—this helps the meat stay tender after cooking. Mince your garlic and ginger finely to release their aroma. No real preheating needed unless you're using stovetop; if slow cooking, just get your crockpot ready. A common slip is slicing beef too thick, which leads to a chewier bite, so keep those slices thin, about ¼-inch thick for the best results.
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
Place the sliced beef in your crockpot. Whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), beef broth, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sweetener if using, then pour this over the beef. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cooking low and slow for 5-6 hours gives a melt-in-your-mouth texture—but if you’re pressed for time, the high setting for 3 hours works nicely too. Just keep an eye to avoid drying out the beef; if it looks dry, add a splash more broth.
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the broccoli florets. This timing keeps them bright green with a satisfying crunch instead of turning limp and mushy. Once done, let the dish rest for 5 minutes with the lid on—this helps the flavors marry nicely. Serve it hot, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for a little texture and nutty aroma that I always find delicious.
Troubleshooting Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe
If your beef comes out a little dry, it probably cooked too long or was sliced too thick—next time, try thinner cuts or a slightly shorter cook time. For bland flavor, make sure to add enough garlic and ginger and don’t skip the sweetener—it balances the saltiness perfectly. If the broccoli turns soggy, add it closer to the end or steam separately for better texture. Adjust these little details and you’ll end up with your perfect Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe every time.
Pro Tips
From my kitchen to yours, these insights will keep your Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe tasting restaurant-worthy with minimal fuss.
- Heat control: Using low and slow keeps beef tender, but don’t be afraid to finish on high if you’re short on time—just watch closely.
- Timing window: Add broccoli at the end—not sooner—to preserve its crunch and vibrant color.
- Make-ahead move: This recipe reheats well, making it perfect for prepping ahead and packing lunches.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t skip slicing the beef thin or the texture will be tough and chew-heavy.
Variations & Substitutions
Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe is super adaptable. Swap flank steak for thinly sliced chicken breast or pork tenderloin for another low-carb twist. Instead of broccoli, try green beans or bok choy to mix textures. If you want a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil. For a soy-free version, coconut aminos shine without compromising flavor.
Great Debates
One common debate I often encounter is sesame oil versus neutral oils like avocado or olive oil. I prefer sesame because it gives that toasted nuttiness that makes this dish special, but if you want a milder flavor, go with avocado oil. Similarly, some swear by erythritol to balance the sauce, while others skip sweeteners altogether. I’ve found just a touch really lifts the umami here, but you do you—either way tastes great.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
Store your leftover Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickened too much. This meal also freezes well; pop into a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and warm carefully to keep that tender texture intact.
Yield & Conversions
This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. To double, just double all ingredients and give your slow cooker a careful stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. For smaller portions, halve the ingredients easily. For metric conversions: 1.5 lbs flank steak = roughly 680 grams; 2 cups broccoli = about 300 grams. It’s flexible, so tailor to your appetite.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Keep sides keto-friendly and simple: cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles soak up the rich sauce beautifully. A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast. I also enjoy sprinkling extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
FAQs
Absolutely! Use a hot skillet or wok on medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef until browned, remove, then stir-fry broccoli and combine everything with the sauce to finish. It’s faster but keep watch to avoid overcooking.
Not at all. You can substitute flank steak with sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just keep slices thin to get that tender bite without toughness.
Erythritol is a popular choice since it doesn’t impact blood sugar and works well in savory dishes. However, monk fruit sweetener is also great if you want a sweeter touch without carbs.
Add broccoli only during the final 30 minutes if using a slow cooker, or toss it in last when stir-frying on the stove. Overcooking breaks down the florets and makes them mushy.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
Use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board to slice your flank steak thinly and safely. A slow cooker or crockpot with a clear lid helps monitor progress easily without losing heat. If cooking stovetop, a heavy-bottomed skillet or wok works best for quick searing. A digital kitchen timer keeps timing spot on when you’re multitasking.
PrintPrintable Recipe 📖
Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe
A flavorful and low-carb Keto Beef and Broccoli recipe made with tender flank steak and fresh broccoli cooked in a savory soy-based sauce, perfect for a healthy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Beef and Broccoli
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thinly
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon erythritol or preferred sweetener (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce or coconut aminos, beef broth, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, erythritol if using, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place beef in crockpot: Arrange the thinly sliced flank steak in the crockpot evenly.
- Add sauce to beef: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and stir gently to ensure all the meat is coated.
- Cook the beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the beef is tender.
- Add broccoli: About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow the broccoli to cook but stay crisp.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli onto plates and garnish with sesame seeds before serving hot.
Notes
- For a soy-free version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- If you don't have erythritol, you can omit the sweetener or substitute with another keto-friendly sweetener.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its texture and nutrients.
- Slicing the flank steak thinly across the grain helps keep the meat tender.
- If you prefer, use frozen broccoli florets but reduce the final cooking time with broccoli to 15 minutes.
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