Dive into the delicious world of Paleo Beef and Broccoli! This dish isn’t just tasty but also perfectly paleo-friendly. Combining tender beef with crisp broccoli in a mouth-watering sauce, this recipe is a healthier twist on a classic takeout favorite. Plus, it’s simple and budget-friendly.
Beef and broccoli is a flavorful restaurant classic, and one of my favorite dishes to make at home. However, buying sirloin or flank steak can be pricey. I love using ground beef for a more cost-effective and quicker option.
This beef and broccoli copycat made with ground beef is not only cheaper but also easier to cook and comes together faster than the traditional version.
This recipe is great with cauliflower rice or regular rice if you prefer. It’s also delicious with a side of vegetables, like roasted bok choy.
You can make it ahead of time and store it easily in the fridge in glass Tupperware. The sauce is thick, and flavorful, and the entire recipe is straightforward. Plus, the broccoli comes out perfectly cooked—not a bit overdone—if you follow my instructions!
This Paleo and Whole30 Beef and Broccoli stir fry is perfect for weeknight dinners. Thinly sliced flank steak in a tasty garlic sauce with crisp, tender broccoli is ready in just 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Paleo Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
For the Beef & Broccoli:
- 1.5 lbs Flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp Coconut aminos
- 2 tsp Arrowroot flour or tapioca flour
- 2 tbsp Alive oil divided
- 7 cups Broccoli florets about 1 large stalk
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 6 tbsp Coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 6 tbsp Broth or water
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Arrowroot flour or tapioca flour
- 3 Scallions white and green parts separated (white part thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic minced or grated
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger grated
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- Put the sliced beef in a large bowl. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Toss with 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos. Cover and let it marinate while you get everything else ready.
Prep the Broccoli:
- I prefer microwaving the broccoli to keep things quick and avoid overcooking. Put the florets in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat on high for 2 minutes. Stir, then heat for another minute or until the broccoli is just tender. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, sesame oil, broth (or water), rice vinegar, and arrowroot flour.
Cook the Beef:
- Toss the marinated beef with 2 teaspoons of arrowroot flour. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Cook for about 60-90 seconds on each side, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with any remaining beef.
Stir Fry:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger for about 1 minute. Whisk the sauce again and pour it into the skillet. Stir to combine.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked beef and broccoli to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce, which should thicken up nicely. Remove from heat.
Serve:
- Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy it on its own or over sautéed cauliflower rice!
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking the Beef: Cook the beef in batches if needed, so it sears properly without steaming. Each side should only take about 60-90 seconds to brown.
- Blanch Broccoli for Perfect Texture: Microwave the broccoli briefly to keep it tender-crisp. This method saves time and prevents overcooking.
- Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, ensure you whisk the arrowroot or tapioca flour thoroughly with the liquids before adding it to the skillet. This helps the sauce coat the beef and broccoli nicely.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 274Â kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 69mg |
| Sodium | 482mg |
| Potassium | 653mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Beef Instead Of Flank Steak?
Yes, you can! While flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and tender when sliced thinly, other cuts like sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye can work well. Just make sure to slice them against the grain to keep the beef tender.
What Are Coconut Aminos And Can I Substitute Soy Sauce?
Coconut aminos is a soy-free seasoning sauce that’s popular in paleo and Whole30 diets. It has a slightly sweet and savoury flavour similar to soy sauce but is much lower in sodium. If you’re not following a strict paleo or Whole30 diet, you can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce, but the flavour might be slightly different.
How Do I Keep The Broccoli Crisp And Not Mushy?
To keep the broccoli crisp, blanch it briefly in the microwave. Microwave the florets on high for about 2-3 minutes until they are just tender. This helps them cook quickly in the stir fry without becoming mushy.