Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Keto Beef & Broccoli (Better Than Takeout)

Sarah Smith
Jan 11
3 min read

Close-up of beef and broccoli stir-fry, glistening with sauce. Vibrant green broccoli contrasts with the rich brown beef in a pan.

This Keto Beef & Broccoli is rich, savory, and packed with bold takeout-style flavor — without the sugar or excess carbs. Tender slices of beef are seared until juicy, then tossed with crisp broccoli in a glossy garlic-ginger sauce that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, only lighter and more satisfying. It’s comforting, cozy, and perfect when you’re craving something familiar but balanced.

If you enjoy hearty, protein-forward dinners that feel indulgent without being heavy, this dish fits beautifully into your rotation alongside bowls like the Steakhouse Cottage Cheese Bowl for another savory option, or sweeter contrasts such as the Berry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Bowl and Cinnamon Roll Cottage Cheese Bowl. Together, these recipes make it easy to mix classic comfort flavors with high-protein, keto-friendly meals throughout the week — no takeout required.

Why You’ll Love This

Classic takeout flavor without added sugar
Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce
Keto-friendly and low-carb
Ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

Calories: ~360
Protein: ~34g
Fat: ~22g
Carbs: ~7g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g

Ingredients

For the Beef & Broccoli

1½ lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil

For the Sauce

½ cup low-sodium beef broth
¼ cup coconut aminos
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (optional for deeper flavor)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon xanthan gum (for thickening)

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, coconut aminos, soy sauce (if using), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle in the xanthan gum and whisk until fully dissolved. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli and sauté for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes & Tips

Slicing the beef thinly against the grain ensures tender results.
For extra saucy beef and broccoli, double the sauce ingredients.
Serve over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed zucchini for a complete meal.

FAQs

Is beef and broccoli keto-friendly?

Yes. When made without sugar or cornstarch, beef and broccoli is naturally low-carb and fit well into a keto lifestyle.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Beef & Broccoli proves you don’t need takeout to enjoy bold, comforting flavors at home. Savory, satisfying, and incredibly easy, it’s a dependable dinner that delivers everything you love about the classic dish while keeping things low carb and high protein — a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.