Jump to Recipe
One-Pot Keto Beef and Broccoli (Skillet Version) — Chinese-American Keto recipe, 24 min, serves 4Chinese-American

One-Pot Keto Beef and Broccoli (Skillet Version)

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
↓ Jump to Recipe
Dairy-freeHigh protein

Sliced beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a savoury garlic-ginger sauce — the takeout classic, made keto, made in 24 minutes. 5 g net carbs per serving, no rice needed.

24
min
12
prep
🔥
12
cook
👥
4
servings
320
kcal / serving
🛍 Buy IngredientsPin
Share:
4

Ingredients

Our top picks for this recipe

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Most popular
Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

The workhorse for one-pot cooking. Browns proteins beautifully, holds heat for slow simmers, oven-safe to 260 °C.

$80-110Check price on Amazon →
Essential
Olive Wood Spoon Set (3-piece)

Won't scratch enamel coatings. Solid wood handles transfer less heat than metal — won't burn your hand on long cooks.

$20-30Check price on Amazon →
Editor's pick
Microplane Premium Zester Grater

Pre-shredded cheese has anti-clumping coating that makes sauces grainy. Fresh-grated parmesan integrates into pasta sauces silkily.

$15-22Check price on Amazon →

Instructions

1

Slice the beef THIN (3 mm) against the grain. Easier if you freeze the steak 15 minutes first.

💡 Against-the-grain slicing breaks up the muscle fibres. The result is tender bites instead of chewy ones.
2

Marinate beef with 2 tbsp coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside 10 minutes.

10:00
3

Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add broccoli florets and 2 tablespoons water. Stir-fry 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.

5:00
💡 The water creates steam, cooking the broccoli through while the oil crisps the outside. Don't skip it.
4

Remove broccoli to a plate. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the hot wok. Add the marinated beef in a single layer.

💡 Single layer is critical for searing. Crowded beef steams instead of browning.
5

Sear beef 90 seconds per side, then add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry 60 seconds more.

6

Pour in beef broth and remaining 1 tbsp coconut aminos. If thickening, sprinkle xanthan gum and stir.

💡 Xanthan gum thickens immediately. Just 1 teaspoon is enough — more makes it gloppy.
7

Return broccoli to the wok. Toss everything together for 60 seconds. Top with sesame seeds and green onion.

More tools we recommend

Premium pick
Le Creuset 5.5L Signature Dutch Oven

Heirloom-quality. Even heat distribution, lifetime warranty, oven-to-table presentation. The forever-purchase pot.

$300-400Check price on Amazon →
Time-saver
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart (7-in-1)

Pressure-cook one-pot recipes 70% faster. The 6-quart fits most recipes; the 7-in-1 covers pressure, slow, rice, and steam modes.

$90-120Check price on Amazon →
Essential
OXO Good Grips Stainless Tongs

The cook's-most-used tool. Cushioned non-slip grip, locking head, dishwasher safe. Once you upgrade you don't go back.

$15-20Check price on Amazon →
Save your rating

How was this recipe?

Saved on your device only — no public reviews shown.
Thanks for rating!

Common Questions

Net carbs per serving?
Approximately 5 g — most from broccoli (3 g) and coconut aminos (1 g). Beef and aromatics contribute under 1 g.
Is xanthan gum required?
No, but it gives the sauce that classic Chinese-takeout cling. Without it, the sauce is more brothy.
Best cut of beef?
Flank steak (most flavour, slightly chewy) or sirloin (more tender, less flavour). Avoid stew meat (too tough for quick cooking).
Soy sauce or coconut aminos?
Both work. Coconut aminos is slightly sweeter; soy sauce is saltier. For strict keto, coconut aminos has slightly less sodium.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Zinfandel or California Cabernet — bold reds match smoke and umami.
🍺
Beer
American IPA or amber ale.
🍸
Cocktail
Old Fashioned with a bourbon base.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon or a craft root beer.

Ingredient substitutions

IngredientReplace withRatioNotes
soy saucetamari1:1Gluten-free. Slightly less sweet, more pronounced umami.
coconut aminos1:1Soy-free + gluten-free. Slightly sweeter; reduce other sweeteners.

Why this recipe works

Pro tips

Recipe variations

Common mistakes to avoid

The story behind this recipe ▾
Beef and broccoli is a Chinese-American restaurant staple, not authentically Chinese. The dish was developed in mid-20th-century US Chinese restaurants to suit American taste preferences. The keto version simply skips the rice and the sugar that's traditionally added to the sauce.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
Start Cooking

Shopping List

🛍 Buy Ingredients

Cook's tips