It’s no surprise this Healthy Beef and Broccoli recipe is a family fave, since it’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and ready in just 15 minutes! This Beef and Broccoli is great for meal prep, is clean-eating, paleo, and keto-friendly, and is easily altered for GF diets.
This Healthy Beef And Broccoli recipe is one of our favorite family meals. And, when I say favorite meals, I mean we probably have it at least every other week. Ooh, and it makes a yummy meal prep lunch, too!
Not only is this delicious, it's also super fast to prepare and healthy, too.
While we often have this healthy beef and broccoli recipe just by itself, it's really yummy with some simple steamed brown rice. Serving it with rice is also a great way to make this recipe go further for more servings (hello, budget meal prep!).
In This Post You'll Find:
- Reasons You'll Love It
- Watch Me Make Healthy Beef And Broccoli
- How To Make Beef And Broccoli
- How To Make Beef Tender (Not Chewy) For Beef and Broccoli
- How To Store Beef and Broccoli
- Substitution Ideas For Beef and Broccoli
- Beef Meal Prep Ideas
- 15-Minute Healthy Beef and Broccoli
- Is Beef and Broccoli Healthy?
- Reviews
Reasons You'll Love It
- Great meal in 15 minutes.
- Another great meal prep idea.
- A healthy take on a favorite takeout.
- Fits many different diet preferences.
Watch Me Make Healthy Beef And Broccoli
How To Make Beef And Broccoli
Step 1: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until well-browned, about 6-8 minutes. Once well-browned, remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add garlic, shallot and green onions to the beef drippings. Cook one minute, stirring frequently. Add broccoli and cover for 5 minutes.
Step 3: In a small mixing bowl, combine water and arrowroot starch and mix until no longer lumpy. Combine soy sauce, coconut sugar, ginger and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Add arrowroot starch mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
Step 4: Remove cover from pan and add sauce. Cook until sauce starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Add beef and stir to combine, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve over brown rice, if desired.
How To Make Beef Tender (Not Chewy) For Beef and Broccoli
For this beef and broccoli recipe, I use flank steak because it is very flavorful and full of nutrients without too much fat. With any steak you choose for this recipe, however, you'll want to slice it ACROSS the grain.
Why do we do this? Slicing across the grain makes the beef more tender and not chewy. It means you're not eating the entirety of a muscle fiber but instead a bunch of cross-sections. This is the difference between very chewy meat and very tender meat.
Pro Tip: If you pop it in the freezer for 20-ish minutes and allow it to just start to freeze, you will more easily be able to slice the beef into thin slices.
Also, overcooking the beef will make it overly chewy. So, the goal is not to overcook it.
How To Store Beef and Broccoli
This beef and broccoli stores very well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great make-ahead meal for meal prep. If properly stored in an air-tight container (like these meal prep containers), leftover beef with broccoli will last 5-6 days in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze your beef and broccoli to store it for longer. To freeze it, store in an airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (I like these reusable storage bags). You can store beef with broccoli for up to 4-5 months in the freezer.
When ready to enjoy, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge, and then reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat thawed beef and broccoli on the stove in a fry pan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Substitution Ideas For Beef and Broccoli
The good news is it's very easy to swap out ingredients for this recipe to suit your diet. As written, this recipe complies with clean-eating, paleo, Whole 30, and keto. Here are some common substitutions to help you out for other healthy lifestyles.
- Vegan or Vegetarian Substitutions: Replace steak with tofu or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free Substitutions: Replace low-sodium soy sauce with liquid aminos or GF soy sauce.
- Red Meat Substitutions: Replace steak with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms.
Did I miss a substitution you're needing? Add a comment below and let me know!
Beef Meal Prep Ideas
- Quinoa Taco Bowl | Perfect For Meal Prep
- Flank Steak With Chimichurri Sauce | Fresh Herbs And Flavor
- Healthy Taco Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing | Perfect For Meal Prep!
- Easy Meal Prep Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Keto Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers | Keto Meal Prep
- The 7 Best Steak Marinades For Perfectly Cooked Steak
15-Minute Healthy Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak, very thinly sliced across the grain
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, about 2 small crowns
- 2 tablespoon arrowroot starch
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until well-browned, about 6-8 minutes. Once well-browned, remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic, shallot and green onions to the beef drippings. Cook one minute, stirring frequently. Add broccoli and cover for 5 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine water and arrowroot starch and mix until no longer lumpy. Combine soy sauce, coconut sugar, ginger and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Add arrowroot starch mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Remove cover from pan and add sauce. Cook until sauce starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Add beef and stir to combine, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve over brown rice, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Is Beef and Broccoli Healthy?
Unfortunately, restaurant-style beef and broccoli isn't that healthy for you. While it is a better option to order for takeout than some high-sugar, deep-fried options, it still is:
- very high in sodium
- has added sugars
- cooked in unhealthy oils
So, instead, to make a healthier version of Beef and Broccoli, I made the following tweaks:
- cooked the ingredients in olive oil instead of deep-frying anything;
- used coconut sugar instead of brown sugar;
- used low sodium soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce;
- serve with steamed brown rice, not fried rice (but if you want fried rice that's actually healthy, you could check out this healthy cauliflower fried rice recipe).
That all being said, even restaurant beef with broccoli is well-balanced with protein and fiber. It typically isn't deep fried or coated in a sweet glaze.
For more healthy takeout options, check out my post on 3 Healthier Takeout Options to Make at Home!
Kay
Wow so I have never left a comment on a recipe but this one I just had to! Looking for easy meal prep food and gave this one a try. I used raw honey instead of coconut sugar since I didn’t have that, used a tad bit of flour since I didn’t have the other recommended item, I also used ginger powder since I didn’t have fresh, added some mushrooms at the end and I couldn’t stop eating this meal so that I could pack it up for another day. I’ve never had beef and broccoli from takeout but was pleasantly surprised at how easy and delicious this was to make. I am so glad I found this and tried it. Look forward to making this more often and introducing the family to it someday. Just amazing!! You have GOT to make this recipe
Lacey Baier
Yay! So happy to hear how you enjoyed it, Kay!
Steven
OMG!
This is a great recipe. Really delicious. Ok, so I made a change. I didn't have a shallot so used a whole brown onion (I love onion) and only had cornstarch.
The sauce was great! 🙏
Lacey Baier
Woohoo! So glad you loved it!
Marybeth
Found this recipe at the last minute and decided to make it for dinner tonight. I usually never have luck with new recipes, but this one totally rocked it! Flavor was amazing and it was only a few simple ingredients. Came together so quickly and we served it with egg noodles, because that's what I had on hand. Will probably use jasmine rice next time. Kids loved it, husband loved it...nothing else to say but this one is a keeper! Used sesame oil to cook the meat and added mushrooms to amp up the veggies. Other than that, followed recipe as listed. Thank you for a fab recipe! Going in my regular rotation.
Lacey Baier
You are so welcome! Big win for the family to enjoy it, too!
Andrew
Great recipe! Thanks for providing a healthy and lower sodium way to have this Chinese dish. My wife loved it and now believes me when I say Asian food can be delicious and healthy.
I did add extra water/ drippings to the pan with the broccoli to avoid it burning at the high heat. I also turned down the heat when adding the sauce so it would not burn off too much. Result was a delicious saucy healthy dinner!
Lacey Baier
So glad you enjoyed it, Andrew!
Calandria Tinsley
Can I use coconut amino’s instead of soy sauce
Lacey Baier
100% yes!
Kinsee
My family loved this dish, would definitely recommend. Thanks for the tips for tender meat!
Lacey Baier
So glad you found the tips helpful 🙂
Brandi Burrows
Made it with Flank Steak and then another time with Chicken! Kids ask for it all the time!! Delicious!
Lacey Baier
Woohoo! That's awesome.
Carolyn
Great recipe! Thank you! My husband hates broccoli so I used broccoli rabe instead. I also added a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
Lacey Baier
I love the changes - I am glad you enjoyed with alterations.
Katie
Wow! Just made this tonight for my family and everyone loved it...even my extremely picky eater. It’s super easy to adjust with what you have on hand...left out the green onions and used top sirloin. I bet it would also be amazing with chicken breast pieces. This will definitely be one of my go to weeknight recipes. Thank you so much!
Lacey Baier
That's so cool! Love converting a picky eater with healthy food 🙂
Emily
This recipe is delicious!! I also added mushrooms to amp up the veggies and served it over wild rice. I will definitely make this easy and yummy recipe again! Thank you!!
Lacey Baier
LOVE hearing that, Emily!! 🙂
Liesa Nichols
Looking around our dinner table tonight and seeing 4 totally empty bowls says it all - this recipe is a keeper and expands my stir-fry repertoire. Thank you! Highly recommend!
Lacey Baier
Yes! That's my fave 🙂 xoxo
Jonathan
I made this and it was super easy to make and super delicious.
Lacey Baier
Wooot! Thanks for letting us know 🙂
Jennifer
The dish was very good. I did add a quarter of a jalapeñ0 (no seeds), as we like a little more spice in our dishes. Next time I make it, I plan to add a little sesame oil when frying the meat. I will also salt & pepper the meat right before frying. I also plan to add some celery and mushrooms to get some more veggies in there. I used gluten-free, low sodium soy sauce. Lastly, I think I will toast some sesame seeds ahead of time to add before serving. Just my thoughts. But great dish overall. We enjoyed it.
Lacey Baier
Thanks for the suggestions, Jennifer!!
Roxanne Castillo
Ive made this at least 5 times. LOVE IT!! 10/10 highly recommend! Easy, quick and healthy- everything I wanted from a recipe!
Lacey Baier
Thanks so much for the great review, Roxanne!
Phillip Adams
I tried this last week. It was amazing! It tasted better than what you get at a restaurant and is very healthy. Thanks for posting this receipe!!
Donna Moss
This dish is so delicious
Aaron
2 options, reduce the heat a bit or add a tbsp or so of water before you cover. It'll add moisture and prevent it from burning, second option is what I do.
Julia
Hi, silly question here- how do I keep the aromatics from burning when I add the broccoli to the pan and put the lid on? After four minutes there was a burnt mess on the bottom of my pan. While the recipe still tasted good, it had a burnt, bitter undertone from the overdone garlic and shallots. Thanks!
Kid Chef
This was amazing! And, I used Braggs Liquid and it was still delicious. I made it for my family, and they all loved it too! Thank you, I’ll definitely be making this again!
Melissa
I had some leftover steak bites, so I decided to try making this dish. I used fresh broccoli and some leftover roasted green beans. Even though I used some leftovers...it was delicious! The sauce is AMAZING!!! This one will definitely go in my recipe box. Thanks so much for sharing!
Anna
This was such a delicious recipe and so easy to make! I had a craving for Chinese, but didn't want to order in, so you saved the day! Thanks so much for sharing.
Alyssa
This was delicious! And so easy to make. You're absolutely right - it's a no fail recipe! The quick video on how to make it was incredibly helpful. Can't wait to search your website for more recipes and subscribe to your e-newsletter!
Erin
LOVED this! So delicious and easy. I used a giant bag of frozen stir fry mixed vegetables and this was so quick and easy. Cutting the meat takes the most time, but it is worth it. So tender! Sauce is also addictive. I used flour instead of cornstarch and it worked just fine.
Kimberly
SO Good!!!
Matt Schindler
Just started getting into cooking this year. Made this last night and it was delicious AND didn’t take longer than posted (30 minutes). I’ll definitely keep this in the rotation. Thanks!
Jorge
Just made this, came out really good. Very simple to make.
Doreen Tucker
Made this for my parents tonight, they loved it! As I'm a vegan, I'd like to try it with tofu instead of the steak.
Laura
Love this recipe! We actually add sugar snap peas and carrots to it and it is wonderful with all the extra veggies!
I've also marinated the beef in some lime juice and a bit of soy sauce beforehand to give a little extra kick. Delicious
Heisenburg
Made this for me and my picky girlfriend. Its one of our new favorites. Thumbs up on this one!
Roze
Made this last night and it was super yummy! We ate it without rice too!
Richard
I made this today for my family and they loved it. They asked me what I'm making tomorrow for dinner and I laughed at them. Not knowing what half these things were or how to chop them, it took me a bit of time. However it was well worth it, not only for what I've learned today, but because the meal turned out so well. I left out the coconut sugar and cornstarch, and used a spoon with drain slots to serve. I will definitely be making this again.
Miss Tawo
I doubt I will find coconut sugar at my local grocery store (Lagos, Nigeria) . What can I sub it with? Welldone Lacey!
Lacey Baier
You can use raw honey.
Denny
Can one use jasmine rice with this dish
Honey
You can use any kind of rice you want, obviously.
Heath
I tried this with bell peppers and onions instead of broccoli and it was awesome. Thanks!
Mary
Wonderful recipe! I used 1 1/2 lbs of the flank steak and added 50% more of the other ingredients and it worked out great! Also, I added some mushrooms after the broccoli was almost finished cooking and let them cook for a short time before adding the sauce and beef back in to heat through. My 12-year-old daughter and husband loved it, so I'll definitely be making it again - I might even add some snow peas next time!
JS
Had some frozen chicken breasts in the freezer and didn't know what to do with them. Wanted something different...Sliced the chicken thinly while partially thawed, and followed the recipe...Absolutely fabulous!
Diana Cooper
Wide noodles instead of rice is a good option. Also, try breaking an egg over the bowl of stir fry and run it under the broiler for a minute or two. To make the sauce go a little farther, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of rice wine. It's great just as it is, too!
Lacey Baier
Love those suggestions!!
Lihi
Hi! this looks amazing! is it possible to skip the cornstarch and sugar? How badly will it effect the recepie?
Lacey Baier
Yes, you totally can skip them if you'd like. The flavor wont be as sweet and the sauce won't be thickened, but it will still taste good 🙂
Allie and Mike
Just made this for the first time- amazing! Will definitely be making again. Just as good as any beef and broccoli I've ordered from a restaraunt 🙂
Lacey Baier
Woohoo! Another convert!! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it...we LOVE this recipe as well.
Shannon
This might sound like a silly question but how big is the serving?
Lacey Baier
lol, not a silly question but I'm realizing I don't have a great way to answer other than about 1/4 lb. of the beef strips and about 6-8 florets of broccoli. I hope that's what you're looking for! 🙂
Shannon
Sorry I meant I see it serves 4 people but do you know how much each person would get? For example does it mean a cup each or more?
Lacey Baier
Roughly 1 1/2 cups per serving.
Bryan
Absolutely love this recipe! Like your family, it has quickly become my family's most favorite dishes. In fact, we're making it again tonight! 🙂 Thank you!
Lacey Baier
YAY! That makes me so happy to hear, Bryan! 🙂
Britney
Tried this recipe about two month ago and forgot to save it & had been search for it ever since. I absolutely loved this and so did everyone else who tried it. Im normally horrible at eating leftovers but I enjoyed it so much that I ate every last bit! SO glad I found it again. Bookmarking!
Lacey Baier
That's awesome, Britney! My husband hates eating reheated broccoli but is the same way about this recipe - this is one of our faves 🙂
Jessica
This was amazing!! Better than any I've ever eaten! Thanks Lacey!!
Lacey Baier
WOOHOO! That's awesome, Jessica - thanks for the feedback 🙂
Matt Fumich
Very easy and delicious recipe. I used venison tenderloin instead of beef, used a little less soy sauce, and used extra red pepper. Very delicious and light. Thank you.
Lacey Baier
Very cool! Thanks for letting me know, Matt! 🙂
Katherine
Lacey,
I made your healthy beef and broccoli and had to come back and let your readers know it was delicious! Simple, easy, and delicious just like all of your recipes I've tried. Thanks again!
Lacey Baier
lol, thanks so much for coming back and sharing how it went, Katherine 🙂 I'm so glad you enjoyed it enough to share! 🙂
Esther
We just finished eating this for dinner. DELICIOUS! Such a great recipe. The only thing I changed was I added about another half cup of water to make the sauce go a bit further. We like lots of sauce in our house. Otherwise, an amazing recipe. Thank you.
Lacey Baier
Yay! So glad you all enjoyed it - thanks for the feedback! 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche
Beef and broccoli is a great combination.. so I can imagine this tastes just as great as it looks!
Lacey Baier
And it does 🙂 So good. Thanks for stopping by, Thalia!
Esther
This looks amazing. I love beef and broccoli, but it is so often unhealthy. This recipe looks pretty healthy to me. Can't wait to try it.
Lacey Baier
Yay! I hope you love it as much as we do, Esther 🙂
Nancy Ribe
Thanks Lacey, This was amazing. I made this last week and can't wait to make it again. So tasty and easy to follow directions. I won't be ordering this out again because this came out better then any I have had in my area. Keep up the great work, I love your blog and recipes.
Lacey Baier
Wow, Nancy, I'm so glad you enjoyed the beef and broccoli and that you enjoy this blog o' mine - I totally agree and love this recipe so much! 🙂
Susan
Thanks for another winning recipe! Used pork because I had it on hand and YUM. The freeze your meat for slicing tip was helpful too. 🙂
Lacey Baier
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Susan. It's one of my favorites. Yea, that partial freezing really does the trick, huh? 🙂