Spicy Sesame Beef & Broccoli (Gluten Free Soy Sauce) is a dish I return to every fall when I want something fast, flavorful, and deeply comforting. The blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes over tender beef and vibrant green broccoli reminds me that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up the flavors you love.
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan born chef now based in the U.S., and this is GoldenGlutenFree.com, my home for sharing gluten-free Italian-rooted recipes and vibrant dishes like this stir-fry, born from necessity but crafted with passion.
Years ago, I trained under classic Italian chefs, mastering the art of pasta and pane. But after struggling with years of unexplained fatigue, I learned I was gluten-intolerant. That discovery turned my culinary world upside down. I refused to lose the food traditions I love, so I started recreating them, wheat-free. This dish is one of those recreations.
With bold garlic, a touch of heat, and rich umami from gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), this stir-fry feels like takeout, but better. And the best part? It’s weeknight-easy and meal prep-approved.
Spicy Sesame Beef & Broccoli (Gluten-Free Soy Sauce)
Equipment
- large skillet or wok
- mixing bowl
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- tongs or spatula
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2.5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
- 1/4 cup gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- to serve white or brown rice
- to garnish sesame seeds and sliced scallions (optional)
Instructions
- Slice beef thinly against the grain and pat dry. In a bowl, whisk together tamari, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Mix cornstarch and water to make slurry; set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok. Stir-fry broccoli for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil. Add beef in single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes undisturbed, then stir. Cook 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds. Return broccoli to pan. Pour in sauce and simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in slurry and cook until sauce thickens, about 1–2 more minutes. Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds or scallions.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Spicy Sesame Beef & Broccoli
Fresh, Whole Ingredients Make the Difference
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any high-heat oil)
- ¼ cup gluten-free tamari (or coconut aminos for soy-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted for deep flavor)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- White or brown rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds and sliced scallions, optional garnish
For a twist, try serving it with Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos on the side for a fusion-style dinner plate.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients First
Have everything ready to go, this stir-fry cooks fast.
- Slice your beef thinly across the grain. Pat dry.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.
- Make a slurry: Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Sear the Beef
- Add the remaining oil to the pan.
- Add beef slices in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
- Let sear for 1–2 minutes before stirring. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until browned.
4. Add Flavor and Sauce
- Toss in garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return broccoli to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in the slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, another 1–2 minutes.
Serve hot over rice, topped with sesame seeds and scallions. Or pair with Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa for a balanced dinner spread.
Tips for Success
Use High Heat and a Hot Pan
Stir-fries need sizzle. Use a large skillet or wok and preheat before adding anything. This helps the beef sear and keeps the broccoli crisp.
Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil
Toasted sesame oil adds nutty depth. Add it last so it doesn’t burn.
This dish also pairs well with Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Bowls if you’re doing a themed dinner night.
Recipe Variations
Make It Soy-Free
Use coconut aminos instead of tamari for a soy-free, gluten-free alternative. It’s slightly sweeter, so reduce the honey if needed.
Add More Veggies
Want a veggie-packed meal? Add:
- Snap peas
- Sliced bell peppers
- Mushrooms
You might also like this Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp if you’re into bold Asian flavors.
Go Halal-Friendly
Swap beef for halal-certified steak strips or even ground turkey for an easy protein variation.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Store and Reheat Like a Pro
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in a pan with a splash of water or tamari.
This dish holds up beautifully for lunchboxes and reheats like a dream.
Planning ahead? Add it to your rotation with these Easy Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes for a no-stress week.
FAQs: Spicy Sesame Beef & Broccoli (Gluten Free Soy Sauce)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before adding to the pan to avoid extra moisture.
What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry?
Flank steak is ideal—lean, tender, and flavorful. Sirloin or skirt steak also works.
Is tamari gluten-free?
Yes, tamari is traditionally brewed without wheat. Always check the label to confirm it’s certified gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap beef for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of meat juices.
Conclusion
Spicy Sesame Beef & Broccoli (Gluten-Free Soy Sauce) is more than a meal, it’s a cozy, bold-flavored invitation to rethink what gluten-free can be. It’s quick, satisfying, and infinitely customizable. Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or a seasoned pro, this stir-fry delivers every time.
So grab your skillet, a bowl of warm rice, and get cooking. And when you’re done? Come back and try the equally delicious Simple Beef and Broccoli (Gluten-Free), you might just find a new favorite.