Low-Carb Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry (One Pan) is one of those rare recipes that checks every box: it’s fast, flavorful, and fits perfectly into your list of Quick Healthy Dinner Recipes, especially on nights when you don’t want to spend more than 30 minutes in the kitchen. This one-pan stir fry keeps cleanup minimal, leans on simple whole ingredients, and still tastes like your favorite takeout—only lighter, fresher, and much better for your weekly meal plan.
Nutritional Benefits
This stir fry is built around lean beef and fiber-rich broccoli, making it a satisfying option whether you’re watching carbs, calories, or just trying to keep your weeknight dinners balanced.
| Nutrition (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 260–320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8–10 g (mostly from broccoli) |
| Protein | 30–35 g |
| Fat | 13–18 g |
| Fiber | 3–4 g |
| Sugar | 3–5 g (no refined sugar needed) |
| Sodium | Depends on your soy/coconut aminos choice |
High protein keeps you full, healthy fats support energy and flavor, and the low carb count makes this dish a smart fit for low-carb lifestyles, keto-style eating, and anyone trying to curb heavy takeout habits in favor of Healthy Eating.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Low-Carb Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry (One Pan) in your own kitchen, plus easy swaps to use what you already have on hand.
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced | Main protein; cooks quickly and stays tender | Flat iron steak, skirt steak, or thin-sliced chicken breast/thighs |
| Broccoli florets | Low-carb veggie base; adds crunch and fiber | Broccolini, green beans, zucchini, or mixed stir-fry veggies |
| Avocado or light olive oil | Cooking fat for stir-frying | Coconut oil or ghee |
| Garlic, minced | Builds savory, aromatic flavor | Garlic powder in a pinch (use less) |
| Fresh ginger, minced or grated | Classic stir-fry flavor; helps brighten the sauce | Ground ginger (use 1/3 the amount) |
| Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari | Salty umami base of the sauce | Coconut aminos (gluten-free & paleo-friendly) |
| Beef broth | Thins the sauce and adds depth | Chicken broth or vegetable broth |
| Sesame oil (toasted) | Finishing flavor; adds nutty richness | Omit if needed, or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds |
| Low-carb sweetener (optional) | Balances salt and bitterness | Stevia, monk fruit, or a tiny drizzle of honey/maple if not strict low-carb |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | Gentle heat and complexity | Chili-garlic sauce or sriracha (check carbs) |
| Green onions, sliced | Fresh garnish and mild onion flavor | Chives or thinly sliced regular onion |
| Cauliflower rice (for serving, optional) | Keeps the whole meal low-carb and hearty | Shirataki rice, sautéed cabbage, or a small portion of brown rice if carbs are okay |
Equipment Needed
– Large nonstick skillet or wok
– Cutting board and sharp knife
– Small bowl for sauce
– Tongs or spatula
– Measuring spoons and cups
Keeping the equipment simple is one reason this works so well for Easy Dinner Recipes For Family and busy nights when you don’t want a pile of dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Low-Carb Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry (One Pan) comes together in about 20–25 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re craving a takeout-style meal but still want it to fit into your rotation of Healthy Dinner Recipes For Family without any fuss.
1. Prep the beef and broccoli
– Slice the beef thinly against the grain so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
– Cut broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly and don’t stay too crunchy.
2. Make the simple stir-fry sauce
– In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or coconut aminos, beef broth, minced garlic, ginger, a small pinch of low-carb sweetener (if using), and red pepper flakes.
– Taste and adjust salt or sweetness before you start cooking.
3. Sear the beef
– Heat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
– Spread the beef out in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until browned.
– Transfer to a plate; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
4. Cook the broccoli
– Add a little more oil to the same pan if needed.
– Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
– If you like it more tender, splash in a tablespoon of water and cover for another minute to steam.
5. Combine with the sauce
– Pour the sauce into the pan with the broccoli and bring it to a gentle simmer.
– Let it cook for a couple of minutes so it thickens slightly and coats the veggies.
6. Return the beef to the pan
– Add the cooked beef and any juices back into the skillet.
– Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and everything is evenly coated.
7. Finish and serve
– Turn off the heat, drizzle with a little toasted sesame oil, and top with sliced green onions.
– Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb bowl that works beautifully as Healthy Dinner Recipes For Two or scaled up to feed a hungry family.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Tough beef?
Slice very thinly against the grain, and don’t overcook. A quick sear at high heat is key.
– Watery sauce?
Let it simmer a minute or two to reduce, or whisk in a tiny pinch of xanthan gum or arrowroot (if you’re okay with a couple extra carbs) to thicken.
– Broccoli too hard or too soft?
For crisp-tender, stir-fry uncovered first, then steam briefly with a splash of water. For softer broccoli, steam a bit longer on low.
– Want more flavor without more carbs?
Add extra garlic, ginger, or a splash of rice vinegar; these pack flavor, not sugar.
– Feeding picky eaters?
Stir in a handful of shredded carrot or bell pepper for color and a touch of sweetness without turning it into a heavy, sugary sauce.
These little adjustments help transform this stir fry into one of those Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes you can rely on every single week.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Fridge storage
– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
– Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
– Freezer tips
– You can freeze cooked beef and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
– Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in a pan so the beef doesn’t overcook.
– Meal prep
– Pre-slice the beef and chop broccoli up to 2 days ahead and store separately in the fridge.
– Mix the sauce in advance and keep in a small jar; shake before using.
– This makes weeknight cooking almost as fast as reheating takeout, which is exactly why it fits into Quick Dinner Ideas for busy schedules.
Conclusion
Low-Carb Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry (One Pan) is the kind of back-pocket recipe that makes weeknights smoother, keeps your budget in check, and still feels like a treat instead of “diet food,” which is why it easily earns a spot among my go-to Easy Healthy Meals for real-life, family-style cooking. Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a crowd, or just trying to simplify your rotation of Cheap Dinners For A Family, this simple one-pan stir fry delivers big flavor, minimal cleanup, and a satisfying low-carb twist on a classic favorite.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it slightly and pat dry with paper towels so it doesn’t water down the sauce. Cook it just until heated through to avoid mushy florets.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be. Use coconut aminos or tamari, choose a keto-approved sweetener, and serve over cauliflower rice to keep the carbs low.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce and double-check your broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
What can I serve with this besides cauliflower rice?
Shredded sautéed cabbage, zoodles, or a simple green salad all work great. If you’re not low-carb, a scoop of jasmine or brown rice is delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just cook the beef in batches so you still get that nice sear, then finish everything together in a larger pan or wok.
If you enjoy discovering more fun spins on Quick Healthy Dinner Recipes, you might also like exploring other easy dishes like my beer cheese dip with pretzel bites, which you can find here: Quick Healthy Dinner Recipes for game nights or casual gatherings.
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