Healthy Beef and Broccoli – This take-out favorite is so easy to make at home and–BONUS–it’s paleo, gluten free, and Whole30 approved!
That never (EVER!) means we sacrifice flavor, and this healthy beef and broccoli is one of those dynamite recipes that hits all my favorite criteria–fast, healthy, easy, and delicious.
The beef stays tender, the broccolini is cooked just enough, and the savory sauce ties everything together. Serve this with a side of fresh pineapple, and some rice or cauliflower rice, and dinner is done!
Notes on the Recipe:
***THIS RECIPE HAS BEEN UPDATED*** Right when I released it, the proportions were a bit different and several of you mentioned that it was too salty. I re-tested it and adjusted the amounts this summer. I haven’t had any “too salty” complaints since. That said…
Go low sodium. Whether you use soy sauce, tamari, etc. I always suggest using low sodium sauce. If you use regular soy sauce/tamari, it can get too salty. If you can’t find low-sodium sauce, you can add less soy/tamari, or add a little more water to dilute it a bit. (I haven’t found this to be a problem with coconut aminos.) Also note that for this to be Whole30 compliant, you will want to stick with coconut aminos.
What kind of steak? The big thing here is something fairly lean. I tend to buy either top sirloin steak or loin tip steak. The thinner you slice it, the faster it cooks and the better the dish. Also, do keep an eye on it, since it really only takes 60-90 seconds per side to cook through.
Why broccolini? I’ve been on a broccolini kick because it’s so tender–even the stems! I don’t have any waste, and the flavor is a little bit more mild. I’ve also made it with broccoli with great results. Use whatever you can find!
Change it up! Not digging broccoli? No problem! Try snow peas, snap peas, bell pepper strips, or mushrooms. It’s all good.
Arrowroot vs. cornstarch. Arrowroot is a grain-free starch that’s often used as a thickener and is common in paleo cooking. If you don’t have it, feel free to use cornstarch. It lends a bit of crispiness to the beef and helps thicken the sauce. One thing that can make arrowroot a bit trickier to work with is that if you boil something too long with arrowroot in it, it actually loosens back up and thins out again. If you’re an absolute beginner cook, you may find cornstarch easier to work with, but if you’re fairly comfortable in the kitchen, it’ll be no problem if you follow the directions.
Like this recipe? You might also like:
- Healthy Cashew Chicken
- Coconut Ginger Rice
- Paleo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Black Pepper Sauce
Used for this recipe: Ceramic Skillet // tamari or coconut aminos // arrowroot or non-GMO cornstarch.
- ¾lb. lean steak (such as top sirloin, or loin tip) thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch
- 1lb. broccolini (or broccoli), cut into 2" sections
- ½ cup gluten free tamari, coconut aminos (use for paleo/whole30), or soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- ¼-1/2 cup water, as desired
- olive oil or coconut oil, for cooking
- In a medium bowl, combine thinly sliced steak with arrowroot (or cornstarch) and a pinch of pepper. Toss to coat well.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add a few slices of steak (not touching each other) to the pan. Cook 60-90 seconds per side, then transfer to a clean plate or bowl. Repeat with remaining steak, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
- When all the steak is cooked, add broccoli to the pan (again, if the pan is a bit dry, add a bit more oil). Cook 4-5 minutes, or until crisp-tender (cook longer if you like your broccoli softer).
- While the broccoli is cooking, mix up your sauce by combining the coconut aminos/tamari, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
- When broccoli is cooked through, transfer to plate/bowl with the steak. Pour sauce into the pan and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Return cooked broccoli and steak to the pan and stir to coat. The sauce should naturally thicken as it heats through and bubbles for a few minutes (3-5 minutes). If sauce is too thick, add a bit of water (or more coconut aminos/tamari).
- Serve warm!
I’ve cooked chinese/oriental recipes for years. This was way too salty.
Sorry it wasn’t to your liking! I use low-sodium soy sauce/tamari and it’s just right for me.
I’ve even added a touch of brown sugar to to help it not be so salty.
I tried this recipe with low sodium soy and it was delicious! My 2 boys thought it was better than our favorite restaurant. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Paige!
I made this tonight (using Tamari) and it was really salty and saucy. I loved the flavours but will half the sauce amount next time I make it.
I served it over a bed of cauliflower rice and my 5 year old is devouring it.
Rochelle – So sorry it wasn’t to your taste! I use low-sodium tamari (see the recipe notes) and it seems to help. Otherwise, you can always add more water to the sauce to thin it out and dilute it a bit.
Thanks for sharing your recipe. I made this for my family using the organic low sodium tamari and it was way too salty. I would for sure make this again but adjust the amount of tamari to less that 1/4 cup.
This was delicious! I used coconut aminos, added some broth when I threw the broccoli into the pan, and also added 1/4 cup of coconut sugar to the sauce. Everybody in my family devoured it! Thank you for the recipe.
Oh, that’s so great to hear! So glad you enjoyed it!
this is amazing and delish! def a make again around our house
I would love to know the nutrition facts on this. I am too lazy to figure it out myself. lol 🙂
Ha ha! I understand! Nutrition software isn’t in my budget right now (hopefully soon!), but I like using the free MyFitnessPal site or app–you can download recipes straight from the web so you don’t have to add each individual ingredient.
Is this recipe loaded into myfitnesspal? If so what would I look under?
I’m not sure if you can see it, but I have imported it for myself. It’s titled “Healthy Beef and Broccoli – One Lovely Life”
If you can’t find it, you can easily import it. Under “More,” select “Meals, Recipes & Foods,” then “Create a Recipe.” Select “Add from the web” and type “One Lovely Life Beef and Broccoli” into the search box. You can then import the recipe from there. Hope that helps!!!
I am wanting to know the nutrition facts about this meal! I did try the MyFitnessPal app and it was not working. Just wanna know how many calories, how many carbs and how much protein. Thanks can’t wait to try it out!
Lindsey – I’m sorry you’re having trouble. I’m hoping to get nutrition facts on my site within the week!
OMG! I love this and so did my family! It was so amazing and they didn’t even know it was healthy for them! It was so simple to make and not expensive at all! Please send me more recipes!
Randi – I’m SO SO GLAD to hear that! You made my night! Here’s to many more delicious dinners to come!
Eating this as I type and it’s fantastic. And SO FAST to make. I used coconut aminos and followed the recipe exactly and it’s awesome. MyFitnessPal calculates this (made with coconut aminos) as 218 calories, 23g carbs, 5g fat and 23g of protein.
Tarisa – THANK YOU for running it through MyFitnessPal! I’m hoping to get nutrition facts up in the next few weeks, and this is SO HELPFUL for others in the meantime. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate you taking the time to comment and share back!
Making this for dinner tonight. this will be the 3rd or 4th time. My boys love it and i love the ingredients. I used coconut aminos, arrowroot powder and broccoli.
FYI it won’t let me give this recipe 5 stars.
Thanks for this!!
Christina – I’m SO glad you enjoy it so much! Thank you for sharing! (And I’ll look into that ratings business…)
This was yummy! And thanks for including a video!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! (And my pleasure! Learning video is a fun challenge!)
As written this isn’t whole30 compliant. You really should make a note about the soy sauce.
Elisabeth – Thanks for your suggestion. I do have it written with Whole30/paleo instructions, as I’ve included options for using soy sauce for non-GF/paleo folks, GF tamari, or coconut aminos. I’m trusting that anyone looking for Whole30 recipes is familiar enough with the guidelines to opt for the coconut aminos and arrowroot where suggested 🙂
She is very clear about components being substituted if following Whole30.
I made this last night and it was scrumptious! I’m looking to the leftovers that I packed for lunch today 🙂 I have been looking for a recipe that has a thicker sauce like most takeout does and this is it! I just printed the recipe out for future reference. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and happy 2018!
Megan – Oh, hooray! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Happy 2018 to you too!!!
I followed this recipe exactly but subbed chicken for beef and it was equally delicious! Just thought I’d share in case anyone else wanted to try switching it up 🙂
Oooh, so glad to hear that! I use chicken more often than beef, so that would be a good way to change things up!
My very picky teenager and I loved this!
OH THAT’S AWESOME!!!
Excellent!
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
I made this and the flavor was so great, but it was super salty. I missed the note about low sodium! I also should have let it bubble longer to thicken. I will definitely remake it with low sodium. I wish I could find broccolini – they never have it in my stores. Broccoli worked great, but it did take quite a bit longer to cook through. Maybe i’ll chop it smaller next time.
Overall, a winner! A million times better than all the disappointing take out I’ve had.
Anna – Well I’m always glad to beat takeout. Hopefully the adjustments will bring it right where you like it for next time!
Could I use tapioca flour instead of arrowroot?
Lindy – I haven’t tried tapioca starch. I’m not sure how the texture would turn out…if you give a try, I’d love to know how it goes!
Used Tapioca flour and it was perfect!
Hooray! That’s so great! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂
Made this for dinner tonight, and we loved it! 10/10!
SO glad to hear that!
Was awesome!! Best one that I have ever made
That’s wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it Kathy!
Delicious!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it!
Is that green onion I’m seeing in the picture just an additional garnish?
Tiana – Yep! Purely garnish. 🙂
Made this for the first time tonight! Eating it as we speak, this is the most amazing beef and broccoli Recipe I’ve ever had, including takeout! And I love the simple ingredients. I made it with the coconut aminos and arrowroot and it was not too salty at all! Thank you so much for sharing!
Oh my goodness! What an amazing review. Thank you for sharing this with me!!!
I made this tonight and everyone loved it!! My husband gave it an 8.5/10, which is high praise. Thanks for this one, Emily!
WOW! I’m so glad! That’s the best!
such an easy meal with low cost ingredients with finger licking good flavor! will definitely be making this again
Oh hooray! I’m so glad you loved it!
This recipe is easily doubled and absolutely delicious! I served it with sweet potato strips. My whole family loved every last bite! If you’re looking for leftovers, I suggest you set some aside before serving 😉
Oh, this makes me so happy! (I loved your tip about leftovers–ha!)
Just made this for the family. OMG it was amazing. Will definitely be making this again 👍🏾
YAAAAY! I love hearing that. Thank you SO much for sharing!
This was great! I used coconut aminos and added a teaspoon of brown sugar and a tablespoon of sriracha for spice, it was delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!!
I made this with my first time trying coconut aminos. It was great!
Oh, I’m so glad! We love it too!
I made the paleo version of this but with chicken. SOOOO GOOOD!!!
That sounds awesome! I need to try it!