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Craving a delicious, gluten-free beef and broccoli dish that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further! This recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
I first discovered this gluten-free beef and broccoli recipe when I was looking for a way to enjoy my favorite takeout dish without the gluten. It’s been a family favorite ever since!
Get ready to cook up a storm with this amazing gluten-free beef and broccoli recipe!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Marinade | 1/4 cup water |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce | |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper | |
| 1 lb. stir-fry beef (or boneless round steak, cut into thin 3-inch strips) | |
| Stir Fry | 2 Tablespoons oil |
| 4 cups broccoli florets | |
| 1/2 cup onion, chopped (or thinly sliced) | |
| 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced | |
| Stir Fry Sauce | 1 cup cold water |
| 1/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce | |
| 1/4 cup brown sugar | |
| 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger | |
| 1 teaspoon sesame oil | |
| 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adds some nice heat) | |
| 1/4 cup cornstarch | |
| 1-2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional) | |
| Sliced onion greens (optional) |
Step-by-Step Guide
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat the 2 Tbsp of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the stir fry beef and marinade, and fry until the meat is no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the onions & carrots, and fry, while continuing to stir, for another 2 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and continue stirring and frying for 1 more minute.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the 1 cup cold water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch.
- Pour this mixture over the beef & broccoli mixture, and cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve immediately over hot rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and onion greens before serving.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
To save time when making this gluten-free beef and broccoli stir fry, I often buy the beef pre-cut into strips and a bag of cut broccoli florets. This makes the prep work much quicker and easier.
For more delicious recipes, check out this Paleo Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Recipe.
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Gluten-Free Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Beef and Broccoli is an easy and tasty Asian dish that tastes better than takeout. By marinating the beef in a simple cornstarch mixture (a technique called velveting), the meat stays incredibly tender and juicy. Tossed with crisp broccoli florets and a savory ginger-garlic sauce, it’s a healthy, wheat-free dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
— The Beef & Marinade —
1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon cornstarch (keeps the beef tender)
1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for the marinade)
— The Sauce —
½ cup beef broth (ensure certified gluten-free) or water
⅓ cup gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari)
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
— The Stir Fry —
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (approx. 4–5 cups)
2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil) for frying
Toasted sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Slice the Beef: Slice your flank steak very thinly *against* the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers). This is crucial for tenderness.
2. Marinate: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp Tamari, 1 tbsp cornstarch, baking soda, and 1 tbsp oil. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you prep the rest.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ⅓ cup Tamari, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Set aside.
4. Blanch Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well. (Alternatively, blanch in boiling water for 1 minute).
5. Sear Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed so you don’t steam the meat). Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and crispy edges form. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
6. Simmer Sauce: In the same hot pan, pour in the sauce mixture. Let it bubble and simmer for 30 seconds—it will thicken rapidly.
7. Combine: Add the cooked beef and the blanched broccoli back into the pan. Toss everything together for 1 minute until the sauce coats every piece nicely.
8. Serve: Remove from heat immediately. Serve over steamed white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
Beef Cut: Flank steak is traditional, but flat iron or sirloin works well too. If freezing the steak for 20 minutes beforehand, it becomes much easier to slice thinly.
Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce contains wheat! You MUST use Tamari or a bottle specifically labeled ‘Gluten-Free Soy Sauce’. Coconut aminos work for a soy-free/paleo option but are sweeter.
Salty Sauce? If you are sensitive to salt, use low-sodium Tamari or swap half of the Tamari in the sauce for water.
Veggie Variations: This sauce works perfectly with snow peas, carrots, or snap peas if you want to mix up the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 920
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 65
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- Can I substitute the beef with chicken?
- Absolutely! Chicken works great in this recipe as well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this gluten-free beef and broccoli dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Dig In & Enjoy!
Now that you have this amazing gluten-free beef and broccoli recipe, it’s time to dig in and enjoy! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious lunch. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.