Healthy Beef and Broccoli

This Healthy Beef and Broccoli recipe is a lightened-up version of a takeout classic. It uses less oil and sugar than restaurant versions and comes together quickly for dinner on a busy night.

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new recipe to share today for Healthy Beef and Broccoli and I can’t wait for you to try it! Since it’s made with thinly sliced beef and quick-cooking broccoli, the whole recipe comes together quickly and dinner can be on the table in about 20 minutes!

How Healthy Beef and Broccoli Compares to Takeout

This recipe relies heavily on the flavors of ginger and garlic to flavor the beef, which allows you to use less sugar. Finally, if you like the flavor of sesame oil, you can add a bit to deepen the savory flavor so the sauce still tastes great even if you reduce the sugar. Or try adding some red pepper flakes for a little kick!

To reduce the amount of sodium you can use low or reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari.

In addition, cooking this recipe at home allows you to control how much oil goes into the pan when cooking the broccoli and the beef. I prefer to add some water to the pan which will help steam the broccoli to soften it without the need for much oil.

Healthy Beef and Broccoli Ingredients

To make this recipe you only need a few ingredients:

• Steak – Flank steak is my top choice but it can be expensive so I often use top sirloin. Slicing it thinly helps it cook quickly
• Broccoli – I prefer fresh but you can also skip cooking the broccoli in the and add in some steamed or roasted broccoli at the end.
• Ginger – Fresh ginger or ginger paste
• Garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds tons of flavor
• Tamari or soy sauce – Use tamari to keep it gluten-free. Opt for a lower sodium tamari or soy sauce if possible
• Water – To mix with the tamari to form the base of the sauce
• Brown sugar – to add some sweetness
• Cornstarch – to help thicken the sauce

How To Make Beef and Broccoli

To make this recipe just follow a few simple steps:

1. Start cooking your rice so it will be done when the beef is done.
2. Mix the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
3. Saute the broccoli for a few minutes until crisp tender. 
4. Remove the broccoli and add thinly sliced beef which will cook in just 1-2 minutes per side
5. Remove the beef and add the sauce to the pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes. 
6. Add the beef and broccoli, stir to combine and serve over rice

How To Keep the Beef Tender (not chewy)

Two tips for keeping your beef tender, not chewy:

• Freeze your beef for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice and then slice it thinly against the grain. Here’s a video on how to do that.
• Don’t overcook the beef. Since it’s so thinly sliced, it only needs to cook 1-2 minutes per side. Remember that it will continue to cook after you remove it from the pan so don’t overdo it!

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

You can make this recipe in the slow cooker with a few modifications. Combine the beef and the sauce ingredients (minus the cornstarch) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Combine the cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and add to the crockpot along with the broccoli florets. Cook 30 more minutes and serve over rice.

If you want another option, try this recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli or try my recipe for Slow Cooker Flank Steak.  

What To Serve with Healthy Beef and Broccoli

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s a complete meal. It has protein and veggies, just serve it with a side of rice and you’re good to go! You could also serve over quinoa, lo mein noodles or even cauliflower rice.

Other options to pair with it:

• Egg drop soup
• Spring rolls
• Cucumber salad

Here are 62 Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli.

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Healthy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

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Healthy Beef and Broccoli FAQs

Is beef and broccoli healthy?

Yes, this recipe makes a great healthy dinner recipe. It uses lean protein, it packed with veggies and is lower in sugar and sodium than the classic takeout version. Pair it with rice for carbohydrates and you have a balanced meal.

Why is my beef and broccoli tough or chewy?

You likely either sliced your beef with the grain instead of against the grain or overcooked your beef. Be sure to slice against the grain when cutting and remember that the beef cooks in just 1-2 minutes per side and will continue to cook a little bit after you remove it from the pan.

Can you make beef and broccoli in a slow cooker?

Yes. This recipe can be made in the crockpot by combining the beef with the sauce ingredients (minus the cornstarch). After cooking on low for 4-5 hours, mix the cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and add to the crockpot along with the broccoli and let cook 30 more minutes.

What’s a good substitute for soy sauce in beef and broccoli?

If you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free, sub tamari. If you’re looking to reduce the sodium, use a low-sodium or reduced sodium soy sauce. Other than that, the soy sauce or tamari is a crucial part of the sauce for this recipe and can’t really be replaced.

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If you’re looking for other asian-inspired recipes, try:

• Thai Chicken Meatballs
• Easy Chicken Pad Thai
• Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw
• Instant Pot Peanut Noodles
• Farro and White Bean Bowls

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–