Gluten-Free Beef and Broccoli

The first time I made this meal for my husband he could not believe it was in any way healthy.  The flavor is just like a traditional stir-fry but without all of the sugary sauce that typically comes with it. There are a couple of ingredients that you can substitute in a teriyaki sauce to help make it significantly healthier.  

Coconut Aminos

The coconut aminos has been a great find for our family. I use this in any recipe that has soy sauce or liquid aminos.  It is made straight from the coconut and has absolutely no added sugar. It tastes phenomenal and makes an amazing teriyaki sauce. I also use it for a sweet and sour chicken and sesame chicken as well. It is a little pricey but the bottle lasts us for quite awhile.

Organic Coconut Sugar

Anytime a recipe calls for brown sugar I will use the coconut sugar instead. It is so much lower on the glycemic index and tastes just as great.  I will also use this occasionally to replace white sugar but it will give it a slightly different carmel taste.  My body responds immediately to refined sugar so this is such a great way to cook and still have the amazing flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stir fry beef cut into small strips
• 2 tbs coconut or olive oil
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar snap peas
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup arrowroot or tapioca starch (to thicken sauce)

Directions:

1. In a large pan or wok heat the 2 Tbs of oil over medium heat. Add the stir-fry beef and cook until no longer pink. (About 4-5 min)
2. Add the onions, carrots and garlic and cook for another 2 min. 
3. Next add the broccoli and snap peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. In a bowl whisk together the cold water, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and arrowroot. Pour this over the beef and broccoli mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 more minutes.
5. Serve immediately over hot rice or cauliflower rice.