Beef and broccoli stir-fry is an easy and simple recipe and one of my go-to favorites on busy nights. It can be made quickly, especially if you have a wok, and reminds me of the beef and broccoli I always used to order at Chinese restaurants (before I found out about all the stuff besides beef and broccoli that they put in it!). It’s also a kid-favorite at our house!
As a bonus, it takes just minutes to make so it is a great meal for busy nights. It can be served over rice if desired. We use white rice instead of brown or cauliflower rice.
Healthy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Most beef and broccoli recipes contain lots of sugar plus some additional ingredients that aren’t exactly healthy.
In this version, I used coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. I choose to avoid soy since it is a phytoestrogen and may cause fertility and hormonal issues in men and women. I also prefer to avoid phytic acid which can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Soy (along with other legumes) have high levels of phytic acid.
I included fish sauce and beef broth for a richer flavor. Whenever I can add bone broth to a meal I do. Bone broth adds essential nutrients to the meal and offers gut support.
This recipe doesn’t include any sugar, so it works for those who are looking to reduce sugars and simple carbohydrates in the diet. I love it made this way and don’t miss the sugar, but if you’re feeding friends or family who are not used to low sugar food, you could stir in a pinch of coconut sugar to their meal.
A Budget Friendly Meal
This recipe is not just healthy, but relatively inexpensive to make. It calls for a cheaper cut of meat (sirloin) but you can use other cuts as well. I love that the main ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive. Coconut aminos and fish sauce can be a bit more expensive than soy sauce but this dish is still a great choice for those trying to eat healthy on a budget.
Adapting for Autoimmune Diet?
When starting a new diet to help support the body with autoimmune disease, it can feel like there’s nothing to can eat. Luckily this recipe is easily adapted to work for an autoimmune diet.
To make autoimmune friendly:
- Use coconut oil in place of butter
- Check ingredients in fish/oyster sauce
- Omit arrowroot and sesame seeds
When you decide to change your diet it’s always nice to find a healthier version of a favorite meal. This recipe is as tasty as take-out but is nourishing as well.
Want More Asian Inspired Dishes?
I used to love Chinese take-out but quickly phased it out when I realized how unhealthy it was. Since then I’ve come up with some copycat recipes that are tasty but way more healthy.
- Mandarin Chicken – This variation uses almond flour for breading and fresh oranges and honey to sweeten.
- Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry – A simple recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, this meal is delicious and convenient.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken – Natural sweet and sour flavors make this dish delicious and healthy!
- Asian Color Burst Salad – A colorful and simple salad that is refreshing and filling.
- General Tso’s Chicken – This recipe uses real food ingredients to recreate this take-out favorite.
Whenever I have a craving for Asian-inspired food I whip up one of these recipes for a healthy and delicious meal.
Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef (sirloin, thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (+ 3 tsp more for marinating)
- 2 lbs broccoli
- 3 TBSP fish sauce (or oyster sauce)
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 TBSP arrowroot powder
- 3 TBSP butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sliced beef and ¼ cup coconut aminos and marinate at least 10 minutes or as long as overnight.
- Cut the broccoli into florets and cook it in lightly salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Drain the broccoli.
- While the broccoli is cooking, whisk together the remaining 3 teaspoons coconut aminos, fish sauce, broth, and arrowroot and set aside.
- Preheat a wok or large skillet and add the butter or coconut oil.
- Drain any liquid off the marinated beef and put into the preheated skillet or wok.
- Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced onion and garlic and cook 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked broccoli and cook one additional minute.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked meat and vegetables and heat until warm and thickened slightly.
- Top with sesame seeds if desired and enjoy.
Nutrition
Notes
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What’s your favorite type of stir-fry? Tell me below!
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