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Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry

A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a bold spicy garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

⏱ Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

🛒 Ingredients

For the Beef

  • 1½ lbs (680 g) flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Spicy Garlic Sauce

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup beef broth or water

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Garnish

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine:

  • Beef
  • Cornstarch
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Black pepper

Mix well and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.


Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sriracha
  • Chili garlic sauce
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch
  • Beef broth

Set aside.


Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.

Cook the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes until browned.

Remove and set aside.


Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the remaining oil.

Cook:

  • Onion
  • Bell peppers

Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Add:

  • Garlic
  • Ginger

Cook for 30 seconds.


Step 5: Combine

Return the beef to the pan.

Pour in the prepared sauce.

Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.


Step 6: Serve

Garnish with:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onions
  • Fresh cilantro

Serve immediately.


🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Fried rice
  • Brown rice
  • Garlic noodles
  • Lo mein
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Stir-fried vegetables

💡 Tips

  • Slice the beef very thinly for the most tender texture.
  • Cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Use high heat for the best stir-fry flavor.
  • Prepare all ingredients before cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.

🔄 Variations

  • Chicken Stir-Fry: Replace beef with sliced chicken breast or thighs.
  • Shrimp Version: Use peeled, deveined shrimp and reduce the cooking time.
  • Vegetarian: Substitute tofu or mushrooms for the beef.
  • Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms.
  • Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

🥜 Allergen Information

Contains:

  • Soy (soy sauce, hoisin sauce)
  • Wheat (soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce may contain wheat)
  • Sesame (sesame oil, sesame seeds)

Does NOT Contain:

  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Milk
  • Eggs

Nut-Free Tips

  • The recipe is naturally free of peanuts and tree nuts.
  • If serving someone with a severe nut allergy, check all bottled sauces and seasonings for possible cross-contamination warnings.
  • Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce if you need a gluten-free version.

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 395
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
A: Flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak are excellent choices because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly against the grain.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Slice and marinate the beef and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Cook just before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Let the cooked stir-fry cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Absolutely. Reduce or omit the sriracha, chili garlic sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be. Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and choose certified gluten-free oyster and hoisin sauces.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes! Broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, carrots, and baby corn are all delicious additions that pair well with the spicy garlic sauce.

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