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Healthy Beef and Broccoli

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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!

Simple, savory, HEALTHY Beef and Broccoli. This is a lighter take on the takeout fave, with all that amazing flavor!
I’ll always have a soft spot for something that takes a bit more time and effort (like slow-simmered soups or stews, or a fancy dessert), but most days we’re eating meals that are fairly straight-forward and simple.

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.

Takeout made lighter at home - Healthy Beef and Broccoli! This one is gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 approved!
Thinly sliced beef gets dredged in a little bit of arrowroot (or cornstarch, if you’re not paleo/don’t have it), and a super-quick sear in the pan. Paired with tender, delicious broccolini (or broccoli), and a three-ingredient sauce, the flavor combination is magic. I love when I can coax as much flavor as possible out of a short ingredient list.

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!

Healthy Beef and Broccoli is a fast, easy dinner idea you'll all LOVE. Plus, it's gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 approved!

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:

Paleo and Whole30 Beef and Broccoli. This healthy dinner doesn't take long to prepare and the whole family will love it!

Used for this recipe: Ceramic Skillet // tamari or coconut aminos // arrowroot or non-GMO cornstarch. 

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Takeout made lighter at home - Healthy Beef and Broccoli! This one is gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 approved!

Healthy Beef and Broccoli

★★★★★

4.6 from 38 reviews
  • Author: One Lovely Life
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: about 4 servings.
Print Recipe

Description

A takeout favorite gets a healthy makeover! This dish is easily paleo or gluten free, and comes together in no time! (See notes for Paleo/Whole30 tips!)

Ingredients

  • 3/4lb. lean steak (such as top sirloin, or loin tip) thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch*
  • 1lb. broccolini (or broccoli), cut into 2″ sections
  • 1/2 cup low sodium gluten free tamari, coconut aminos, or soy sauce*
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/4-1/2 cup water, as desired
  • olive oil or coconut oil, for cooking

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine thinly sliced steak with arrowroot (or cornstarch) and a pinch of pepper. Toss to coat well.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. While the broccoli is cooking, mix up your sauce by combining the coconut aminos/tamari, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
  5. 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).
  6. Serve warm!

Notes

*PALEO & WHOLE 30 Notes – For Whole30/Paleo, you *must* use coconut aminos and arrowroot to stay compliant.

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.)

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.

Broccolini or Broccoli- 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.

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!

Comments

  2. 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!

    Reply

  3. 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.

    ★★★★

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

  5. 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.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  7. I would love to know the nutrition facts on this. I am too lazy to figure it out myself. lol 🙂

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

        • 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!!!

          Reply

  8. 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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  9. 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!

    Reply

  10. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  11. 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!!

    ★★★

    Reply

    • 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 🙂

      Reply

      • I’m very new to the Whole 30, and I used the tamari sauce, which of course is a no no. The instructions read like tamari is for whole 30 folks. You might look at rewording a bit to make it super clear that the coconut aminos is the only Whole 30 compliant choice.

        ★★★★

        Reply

        • Thanks for the feedback Carrie! I included the (Use for Whole30) after the coconut aminos in the recipe instructions, but I’ll add anther note as well.

          Reply

  14. 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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  17. 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.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  23. 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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  24. 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!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  25. such an easy meal with low cost ingredients with finger licking good flavor! will definitely be making this again

    Reply

  26. 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 😉

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  27. Just made this for the family. OMG it was amazing. Will definitely be making this again 👍🏾

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  28. This was great! I used coconut aminos and added a teaspoon of brown sugar and a tablespoon of sriracha for spice, it was delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • Hmm…I’m sorry that happened! I’d love to help. Was it crispy when you pulled it out of the pan? (before adding the sauce?) Or was it slimy after adding the sauce?

      Sometimes, if there’s too much moisture (on the beef or juices in the pan) it can start to thicken those juices when they’re browning rather than providing a crispy coating. You could try patting off your beef with a paper/kitchen towel before slicing to reduce the liquid on the beef, which might help with a crispier coating.

      Or, you could skip coating the beef in the arrowroot and simply stir-fry it, then add the arrowroot to the sauce mixture to thicken when you add it later.

      I’ll keep thinking!

      Reply

    • Katie – Correct. And, as you’ll read in the notes, the ingredient list, and the instructions, for Whole30 you use the coconut aminos option 🙂

      Reply

  34. This was so easy to make and SO delicious. I used coconut aminos, which I normally don’t like, but I think the flavor really worked and made it a tad sweet. My girls loved it. I will definitely keep this recipe, thank you for sharing!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  35. This recipe is amazing! My husband and I are both on the whole 30 and we felt like this was cheating! So yummy! thank you so much!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  36. It’s still a bit salty for my liking but next time I would probably do half water and half low sodium soy sauce and up the ginger. I do think the recipe is a good one and totally adjustable to everyone’s preference. Thank you!

    ★★★★

    Reply

  37. I used coconut aminos and wow!! This was great. I added some green onion and served it with cauliflower rice (the frozen kind cause I’m lazy) and some sliced pineapple. This was so delicious:. Thanks for sharing.

    I haven’t used arrowroot before. Is this just a substitute for cornstarch?

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • I’m SO glad you enjoyed it! That pineapple sounds like the perfect side for this!

      And yes–arrowroot is just a paleo-approved/grain-free cornstarch substitute. 🙂

      Reply

  39. I made this for dinner yesterday using coconut aminos. (For the first time). I served it with quinoa/ brown rice. It was delicious! I’m so so happy I found This recipe. It was easy, too!
    I breastfeed and my baby is cow milk protein and soy intolerant so there’s not a lot of dinners I get excited about. This one is my new favorite! Thank you!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  40. I’m on Whole 30, I don’t have any arrowroot, but I do have tapioca flour. Do you think that would work as a substitute?

    Reply

    • Suzanne – You could certainly give it a try, though do keep in mind that tapioca can sometimes get a bit gummy, so you’ll want to watch it (and whisk the sauce very well). Best of luck on your Whole30!!!

      Reply

  42. I loved this dish! So happy to find a tasty paleo meal! I will be making this one again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  43. So F***ing good! My fam and I loved it and will do it again! Recipe was perfect, wouldn’t change a thing! Good work!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  44. Love this recipe-have made it many times for just the hubby and I, and also bigger batches for my many family members who are GF/Soy/Grain/corn sensitive. I have used both chicken and beef, and both work out beautifully. I use coconut aminos, since I can’t do soy. I also use unsalted broth in place of the water, that way if it gets a bit on the salty side (usually only if I double/triple the recipe) I can thin it out without taking away any flavor. I also only use potato starch, (can’t do corn, and never tried the arrowroot) and it works out great! Thanks for a great addition to our weekly menus!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  45. I used corn starch and soy sauce in my recipe and it turned out delicious! Thank you for your recipe.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  46. I’ve made this every night for the past three nights. I’m OBSESSED with this recipe. So glad I found it. Thank you so much!! Xo

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  47. Excellent! My husband and I ate every last bite with brown rice. Made with low sodium soy sauce and broccoli. Will make again and try other veggies. Thanks for sharing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  48. I don’t understand why people trash a recipe because it is “too salty”. Are people not aware of their own taste preference while preparing meals? If you prefer less sodium, reduce salt and/or use low sodium ingredients. Pretty simple concept.
    It’s like someone giving a one star review of an otherwise excellent product, because they had a shipping issue.
    Why not say “Great pair of shoes, runs half a size large, consider sizing down by one half.”? Or “Great recipe, consider using low sodium soy, reduce salt, if that’s your preference”.
    It destroys the credibility of ratings and reviews and at the very least is annoying.
    Have a nice day folks.

    Reply

  49. My first experience with coconut aminos! This was fantastic! No salt issue here. We did filet mignon for the steak strips. Added shredded carrots. Incredible

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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