If you’re craving Chinese takeout, this version of low carb beef and broccoli is sure to satisfy. This keto beef and broccoli recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and can be made in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop. Top it with keto yum yum sauce for a even more pizzaz!

This recipe was originally shared on February 19, 2018.
Is Chinese Food Keto or Low Carb
Unfortunately, Chinese food is generally not keto friendly or even low carb. Standard Chinese food is full of preservatives, low quality meat, thickeners, and high carb sugary sauces. While many restaurants offer “healthy” options, low quality oils and seasonings are often still used. When the Chinese takeout craving strikes, it’s best to make a healthy option at home where you can control the ingredients going into your meal.
This Is The Best Low Carb Beef and Broccoli Ever
And this is why:
- Instant pot and crock-pot recipe means less clean up and fuss for you
- Kid approved
- Common ingredients for low carb Asian cooking
- Dairy free, paleo friendly, Whole30 approved (when you omit the sweetener)
- Takes only 15 minutes to cook
- Better than your cheap takeout spot
Making Your Keto Beef and Broccoli At Home
This low carb beef and broccoli is truly a breeze to make at home. This recipe for the Instant Pot, it’s even included in my cookbook, but it is adaptable for the stove top or crockpot. Check out the “notes” section of the recipe card for more information.

What Cut of Beef is Best for this Keto Beef and Broccoli Recipe
The key to a good beef and broccoli is very thinly sliced flank steak. You an even ask your grocery store butcher to do this for you. In a pinch, sirloin can also be substituted.

Serving Your Low Carb Beef and Broccoli
Try one of these other Asian inspired keto recipes with your beef and broccoli:
- Keto Lo Mein
- Keto Stir Fried Cauliflower Rice
- Sugar Free Yum Yum Sauce
- Keto Stir Fry
- Orange Ginger Beef

Ingredients and Substitutions for this Low Carb Beef and Broccoli
Not sure what fish sauce is? Don’t have arrowroot on hand? Here’s a list of substitutions you can make in this recipe:
- Fish sauce– this is an ingredient common in Asian cooking. You can find it on the same aisle as soy sauce at just about all grocery stores. Don’t omit this ingredient, it adds an important flavor in the final sauce! Just hold your nose while you measure it- it stinks!
- Arrowroot– this is a grain free cornstarch substitute. It acts as a thickener for the sauce. You can read more about it in this post. If you don’t have any, use xanthan gum instead. You won’t make a slurry, so omit the water, and you’ll use a lot less. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and work your way up from there until you reach a sticky sauce consistency.
- Soy sauce– use coconut aminos if you’re gluten free. However, I’d recommend using slightly less because it is much saltier than soy.

Take-Out Style Low Carb Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic
- 1 tablespoon sweetener [ I use this]
- 1.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder + 3 tbsp water slurry
- 1 large head broccoli cut into small pieces and steamed until tender crisp
Instructions
- In large measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, water, fish sauce, garlic, green onions, sweetener, and ginger.
- Place the flank steak into ziplock bag and pour marinade inside. Let meat marinate in fridge at least 30 minutes.
- Place the steak into the Instant Pot and pour the marinade on top.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the steam.
- Remove the meat from pot and put it on plate and set aside. Press cancel to clear the settings. Turn Instant Pot to SAUTE setting.
- Once the juices start to bubble, slowly whisk in the slurry. Stir continuously as sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the steak and broccoli to the pot and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition

Renee
Monday 28th of November 2022
This was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Thank you for such a great recipe!!
Ketoinpearls
Thursday 1st of December 2022
You are welcome!
Nicole
Monday 8th of March 2021
Omg I absolutely love this recipe! It will be a staple when I make Chinese food. I used it with xantham gum and it came it great. Thank you
Ashley
Tuesday 2nd of April 2019
Would you be able to use xanthan gum instead of arrowroot? I can't find that in my small town. Also, is the fish sauce a necessity?
Anna Hunley
Tuesday 2nd of April 2019
You sure can! just don't make a slurry and start with like 1/4 teaspoon and work up from there!
ALauren
Saturday 2nd of February 2019
Hi, just wondering what you served it with? It looks like rice of some kind, but want to confirm. Thanks!
Anna Hunley
Monday 4th of February 2019
It was Fried Cauliflower Rice without the pork.
Mary
Saturday 19th of January 2019
It looks good but, this is way too high in sodium- sorry, that's not healthy
Anna Hunley
Sunday 20th of January 2019
Hi Mary. Quite the contrary. On a ketogenic diet, you actually need more sodium than someone who follows a standard American diet. Sodium is one of the 3 major electrolytes and a key component of a ketogenic diet. The recommended amount of sodium for someone eating a ketogenic diet is 2000-4000 mg per day (some experts even say 3000-5000 mg). People get the "keto flu" when their electrolytes are too low. So, in short, this isn't an unhealthy amount of sodium for someone following a ketogenic diet. Here's a great article you can read, and further research, on sodium and keto. https://perfectketo.com/the-truth-about-sodium/ I would also encourage you to read "The Salt Fix".