Stir Fried Beef with Pineapple Coconut Cauliflower

This recipe just screams flavor! I use lean beef for protein iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, and chopped cauliflower in place of rice, so this dish is a nutrition powerhouse! Did you know a 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides 25 grams of protein and 10 essential nutrients? And believe it or not, the majority of beef cuts are lean.

New research indicates that evenly distributing daily protein intake at meals and snacks throughout the day (~20 to 30g/meal) helps maintain a healthy weight, support a healthy metabolism, and age more vibrantly—which makes this a great recipe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Serves 3

You’ll need:

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp sugar
• 8 coconut aminos, divided
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 12 oz sirloin steaks, cut against the grain into 1/4 inch slices
• 3 tsp coconut oil, divided
• 1 red onion, sliced into thin wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head raw cauliflower, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2/3 cup pineapple, coarsely chopped (fresh if possible, otherwise canned works too)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1. Combine cornstarch, sugar, 6 Tbsp coconut aminos, mirin, and ginger in a small bowl. Toss the beef strips with the sauce so they are all coated.
2. Heat 1 tsp coconut oil in a large wok or skillet on medium high heat. Add the beef. Cook and stir for about 3 minutes, or until desired doneness. remove the beef from the wok/skillet.
3. Add the remaining 2 tsp coconut oil to the pan along with the onions and garlic. Cook and stir for 4 minutes or until onions begin to soften and turn translucent.
4. Add cauliflower, 2 Tbsp coconut aminos, sesame oil, fish sauce, and coconut. Mix and let cook for about 8 minutes, or until cauliflower has softened but still has a slight crunch.
5. Mix in pineapple and beef, garnish with cilantro and serve.

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by The Beef Checkoff and New York Beef Council, and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Marina Bedrossian is a Northport, NY dietitian nutritionist who helps people with holistic nutrition solutions and food sensitivities. Visit this page to schedule an appointment and don’t forget to join the private Facebook group “Ingredients For Healthy Families”  more information here.