A Delicious Low-Carb Meal
If you’re on the ketogenic diet and craving a quick, flavorful, and filling meal, this Keto Beef Stir-Fry is the perfect recipe for you. Packed with tender beef and colorful, low-carb vegetables, this stir-fry is a great option for a satisfying dinner without breaking your carb limits. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dish!
What Makes This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
The ketogenic diet focuses on high fats, moderate protein, and low carbohydrates to get your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy. This stir-fry recipe uses lean beef as the protein source and incorporates a variety of keto-approved vegetables that are low in carbs, making it an ideal meal for those on a keto journey.
Ingredients for Keto Beef Stir-Fry
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (you can also use beef tenderloin or skirt steak)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup onions, thinly sliced
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional for a touch of tang)
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp water to thin the sauce if needed
- 1 tsp Stevia or monk fruit sweetener (optional to balance the flavors)
To Cook:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for stir-frying)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions for Keto Beef Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips, cutting the bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions into thin slices. If you haven’t already, break the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger if using. This will help your stir-fry come together quickly, as stir-frying happens fast!
Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust sweetness with a pinch of stevia or monk fruit sweetener. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of water to thin it out.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. You want to retain some crunch for the best texture!
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Sauce
Once the vegetables are cooked, return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm through and infuse the ingredients with its delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your keto beef stir-fry hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and nutty flavor. For extra color, you can also add some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top.
Tips for Perfect Keto Beef Stir-Fry
- Meat Selection: Use thinly sliced beef to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender. Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are great options. Freezing the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut thin strips.
- Veggie Variety: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have available or your preferences. Good keto-friendly choices include cauliflower rice, spinach, or snow peas.
- Sweetener: While the sweetness is optional, a little stevia or monk fruit can help balance the savory and umami flavors, especially if you’re using soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you have a lot of ingredients, consider cooking the beef and vegetables in batches. Overcrowding the pan can make it difficult for everything to cook evenly.
- Meal Prep: This stir-fry is great for meal prepping! You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, and it reheats well.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Why You’ll Love This Keto Beef Stir-Fry
- Low in Carbs: With only 6 grams of net carbs per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
- Packed with Protein: The beef provides a great source of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir-fry is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The stir-fry sauce brings an irresistible savory flavor that complements the tender beef and crunchy veggies.
Conclusion
This Keto Beef Stir-Fry is a great addition to your keto meal plan. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or meal prep for the week, this low-carb, high-protein dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and perfect for those following a keto lifestyle.
More Keto Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Keto Chicken Alfredo
- Keto Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Low-Carb Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Keto Avocado Egg Salad
By incorporating this Keto Beef Stir-Fry into your meal rotation, you’ll enjoy a delicious, healthy dish without worrying about your carb intake. Try it today and experience the flavors of this easy, keto-friendly meal!