On a hectic weeknight when the kids are demanding dinner and work emails keep piling up, turning to a reliable stir-fry saves the day. This Healthy Beef and Broccoli delivers lean steak that’s seared to perfection alongside vibrant broccoli florets, all coated in a savory sauce with coconut aminos for a lighter twist. The one-pan method keeps cleanup minimal while packing in nutrients for a satisfying meal.
What draws me back to this recipe is its speed—ready in just 25 minutes without sacrificing flavor. It reheats beautifully for easy lunches, and the broccoli adds a crisp freshness that balances the tender beef. Busy moms and professionals appreciate how it fits seamlessly into everyday routines, offering a healthier take on takeout favorites.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick Weeknight Win: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without fuss.
- Nutrient-Packed Balance: Lean steak and fresh broccoli deliver protein and veggies in one flavorful dish.
- Healthier Comfort Food: Coconut aminos swap in for a low-sodium sauce that keeps it guilt-free yet satisfying.
- Versatile Family Pleaser: Pairs with rice or cauliflower rice, appealing to all ages with its savory appeal.
Ingredients to make Healthy Beef and Broccoli
These ingredients come together for a balanced, flavorful stir-fry where the lean beef and broccoli shine, enhanced by a simple sauce. Opting for high-quality, fresh produce and lean cuts elevates the dish’s natural tastes without added heaviness.
- Lean steak – thinly sliced top sirloin provides tender protein; slice against the grain for best texture.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder – coats the beef for a light sear and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Black pepper – adds a subtle kick to season the meat and sauce.
- Broccolini or broccoli florets – cut into bite-sized pieces for crisp-tender veggie contrast.
- Olive oil or coconut oil – used for cooking to prevent sticking and add a neutral fat base.
- Coconut aminos – a low-sodium alternative to soy sauce for umami depth in the sauce.
- Garlic – minced fresh cloves bring aromatic savoriness to the mix.
- Fresh ginger – minced for a warm, zingy note that complements the beef.
- Water – added as needed to thin the sauce for perfect consistency.
Dive deeper into the instructions ahead, including pro tips and serving ideas. You’ll find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Healthy Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Coat the Steak
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced lean steak with cornstarch or arrowroot powder and a pinch of black pepper until evenly coated. This step ensures the beef sears nicely and helps the sauce cling later. Use arrowroot for a gluten-free option if preferred.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together coconut aminos, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld briefly. Adjust with water later if the sauce needs thinning during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a drizzle of olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the steak slices in batches for 60-90 seconds per side until lightly browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear, and transfer to a plate while adding more oil if needed for the next batch.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet, drizzling in a bit more oil if dry, and stir occasionally for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender. The broccoli should retain some bite while softening slightly in the residual heat.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the seared steak to the skillet with the broccoli, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir to coat everything while scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken; thin with water or extra coconut aminos if it gets too thick. This final step brings all the flavors together cohesively.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice Against Grain: Cut the lean steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness in every bite.
- Batch Sear Beef: Cook in small batches to avoid steaming and ensure a proper browned crust.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Whisk in water gradually during simmering to reach your preferred silky consistency.
- Use Fresh Aromatics: Mince garlic and ginger right before adding for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
How to Serve Healthy Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for a subtle nutty crunch that contrasts the tender beef. A few sliced green onions add a fresh, bright pop of color and mild oniony bite. These simple touches make the dish feel more polished without extra effort.
Side Dishes
Pair it with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce, creating a cozy complete meal. For a lighter option, fluffy cauliflower rice keeps things low-carb while complementing the crisp broccoli. A side of cucumber slices brings refreshing coolness to balance the warm stir-fry.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the mixture into lettuce wraps for fun, handheld bites that highlight the golden seared beef. Layer it over quinoa bowls with avocado for added creaminess and heartiness. This approach turns the classic into an interactive family dinner with vibrant, textured appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any extra Healthy Beef and Broccoli in an airtight glass container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier. Just let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Portion the cooled stir-fry into freezer-safe bags, pressing out air to prevent ice crystals, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. This method preserves the broccoli’s crispness better than repeated freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce, stirring for 3-4 minutes until hot. For quicker results, use the microwave in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out the beef. Either way, it reheats to tender perfection without losing its appeal.
Print
One-Pan Healthy Beef and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and healthy one-pan stir-fry featuring lean steak and broccoli in a flavorful sauce made with coconut aminos, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz lean steak (e.g., top sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Pinch of black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 lb broccolini or broccoli florets, cut into 2″ sections
- Olive oil or coconut oil, for cooking
- For the Sauce: ⅓ cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce/tamari)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ – ½ cup water, as desired for thinning
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or arrowroot) and a pinch of black pepper until well coated.
- Prepare your sauce by whisking together the coconut aminos, minced garlic, minced ginger, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a drizzle of olive or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the steak slices for 60-90 seconds per side until lightly browned. Transfer cooked beef to a clean plate and repeat with remaining steak, adding more oil if needed.
- Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet (add a little more oil if the pan is dry). Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir to coat and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little water or extra coconut aminos.
- Serve immediately over rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite grain.
Notes
- Use arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust water in the sauce to achieve desired consistency.
- This recipe is designed for a healthier version using lean beef and low-sodium alternatives.
