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
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.
Notes
Nutrition
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What’s your favorite type of stir-fry? Tell me below!
Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! I just made this and loved it! I have to confess that I used 1/4 c water instead of beef broth, because I’ve never made it and don’t know what kind is safe to buy. But thank you! This is so good and will definitely be a frequent repeat!
Is there a safe beef broth you can buy? I haven’t made my own yet.
I get mine here: https://wellnessmama.com/go/broth/
I’m very busy at the moment because I’m moving into a new house and this recipe is a wonderful trick to feed my amateur movers!
Can I omit the coconut aminos? I can only find it on my organic online shop ( South Africa) , but it is VERY expensive! Furthermore, I want to thank you for all the info and great help that I got from your website !
Basically they are a substitute for soy sauce, which I don’t use.
You can use Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar Amino Acids – tastes JUST like soy sauce with a LOT less sodium. 170mg sodium per 1/4 teaspoon.
This was so delicious! My son who usually turns up his nose ate 2 servings! I wish he would eat his salad as happily.
I made that last night for dinner and it was SO good! I added mushrooms and doubled the onion just for a little more veggies. I was planning on having leftovers for lunch but my family ate it all! Next time I’ll make a double batch. Do you know where to get a wok that isn’t Teflon?
I got mine here: https://wellnessmama.com/go/xtrema/
I can’t remember if I read it on your site or not (I tried searching for it but not for very long…) but I have read that soy is horrible for your hormones. Is this true? Does it apply to soy sauce? Thoughts?
P.S. -I love your site and all the hard work you put into researching topics to share with us! You are changing lives! 🙂 Thank you!!
If it is traditionally fermented soy sauce, it is much better and shouldn’t hurt your hormones. Make sure it says “traditionally fermented” or “naturally fermented” and doesn’t contain HFCS
This was REALLY good! I didn’t use oyster sauce as the only brand I found had MSG in it. It’s in the rotation now:)
Delicious! My husband loves this dish. He is being very supportive of the diet, but meals like this make it rewarding. Thank You!