Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Cashew Sauce
A Whole30-friendly stir fry combining tender beef strips and crisp broccoli florets in a savory garlic-cashew sauce without soy or sugar. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes blends (about 12 oz) broccoli florets, cashew butter, coconut aminos into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 4 cups (about 12 oz) broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp cashew butter
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 4 cloves, minced fresh garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and 1 tsp sea salt, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 cups broccoli florets, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and just tender.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp cashew butter, 2 tbsp coconut aminos, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until smooth. Return beef to skillet and pour sauce over. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef and broccoli evenly. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Cashew Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Cashew Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Cashew Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Cashew Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Cashew Sauce whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.