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Healthy Low Calorie Skinny Beef & Broccoli - Simple, Flavorful, and Light

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Lean beef: 12 ounces flank steak or top sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Broccoli: 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced or grated
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: 1/4 cup
  • Beef or chicken broth (low sodium): 1/2 cup
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (for light thickening)
  • Brown sugar or honey: 2 teaspoons (just enough to balance the salt)
  • Red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce: Optional, to taste
  • Avocado or canola oil: 1 tablespoon, divided (for high-heat cooking)
  • Green onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds: Optional, for garnish
  • Cooked cauliflower rice or brown rice: Optional, for serving

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef thin: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up, then slice thinly against the grain. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar or honey, and cornstarch. Add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  3. Steam-blanch the broccoli: Microwave or steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Set aside.
  4. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half the oil.
  5. Sear the beef: Add half the beef in a single layer. Cook 60–90 seconds per side until just browned. Remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.
  6. Sauté aromatics: Add garlic and ginger to the empty pan. Stir 20–30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  7. Combine: Return beef and broccoli to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Toss and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add a splash of broth for a lighter sauce or a pinch of sugar/honey if you want more balance. Season with pepper.
  9. Serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-calorie option or a small scoop of brown rice.