Keto Cubed Steak with Onion Gravy
This keto-friendly cubed steak recipe is a delicious, comforting dish that delivers all the savory goodness of the original, but without the added carbs. By replacing traditional flour with a low-carb alternative, you’ll keep the dish within your keto goals while still enjoying a rich, flavorful gravy.
Ingredients:
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- 1 ½ pounds cubed steak
- ⅓ cup almond flour (or coconut flour as an alternative, for lower carbs)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (instead of garlic salt to control sodium)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup avocado oil or olive oil (both are keto-friendly options)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (low-sodium, no sugar added)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth; use a sugar-free brand for keto)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, to thicken gravy)
- 1 tablespoon dry onion powder (replacing the onion soup mix, which can contain carbs)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the almond flour, garlic powder, and black pepper. Almond flour is a great low-carb substitute for regular flour and will help create a delicious crust on the steak. Dredge both sides of each cubed steak piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Cook the Steak
In a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat distribution), heat the avocado or olive oil over medium-high heat. These oils are keto-friendly and rich in healthy fats. Once hot, add the cubed steak to the skillet. If your pan is small, you may need to cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each piece for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy
After removing the steak, you should have some flavorful drippings in the skillet. If you want a thicker gravy, you can add 1 teaspoon of the leftover almond flour to the pan drippings, stirring it into the oil for about 30 seconds to cook off the raw taste.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook them over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently. You want them to soften and caramelize slightly, releasing their natural sweetness, which balances the savory flavors of the dish.
Step 5: Create the Gravy
Once the onions are soft, add the beef broth and onion powder to the skillet. Stir well, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will add richness to your gravy. For extra depth, you can add a tablespoon of sugar-free Worcestershire sauce (optional).
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum. This low-carb thickener works well in keto recipes and will help give the gravy a more traditional texture. Let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens to your liking.
Step 7: Return the Steak to the Pan
Once the gravy is ready, return the cubed steak to the pan. Nestle the steaks into the gravy, making sure they’re coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the steaks warm through for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your Keto Cubed Steak with Onion Gravy hot, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower mash, roasted vegetables, or zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Tips for Success:
- Choosing the Flour: Almond flour is the best low-carb option for this recipe because it closely mimics the texture of regular flour. However, if you’re sensitive to nuts, coconut flour can also be used. Keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so use it sparingly.
- Thickening the Gravy: Xanthan gum is a fantastic keto thickener, but it can be easy to overdo. Start with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) and whisk it in slowly until you reach the desired consistency.
- Adjusting the Flavor: The Worcestershire sauce is optional but recommended if you want a deeper, richer flavor in your gravy. Just ensure it’s sugar-free to keep the dish keto-compliant.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is delicious served over mashed cauliflower or with roasted broccoli for a complete low-carb, keto-friendly meal. You can also serve it with keto biscuits or cloud bread for a more indulgent option.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Meat Options: If you don’t have cubed steak, you can substitute it with another tender cut of beef such as sirloin or ribeye, cut thinly for faster cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based alternative, use thick-cut portobello mushrooms in place of the steak. You can still follow the same process to make the gravy.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy twist.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storing Leftovers: Leftover cubed steak with gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, store the steak and gravy in separate containers to maintain texture. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the steak and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.
This Keto Cubed Steak with Onion Gravy is the perfect low-carb comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The tender, juicy steak paired with rich, savory onion gravy makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re new to the keto diet or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your low-carb meal rotation. Enjoy it with keto-friendly sides like mashed cauliflower or roasted greens for a meal that’s both delicious and nutrient-packed!