Spicy Beef Stir Fry (Printable)
Tender beef strips, crisp vegetables, and a spicy, savory sauce combine in this vibrant, sizzling stir fry. A quick dinner delight.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, julienned
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
06 - 1 medium onion, sliced
07 - 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
→ Sauce
10 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
15 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
→ Garnish
16 - 2 spring onions, sliced
17 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
# How to Make It:
01 - In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef strips with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of a neutral cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until it develops a browned exterior but is not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
04 - Add an additional 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Introduce the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Incorporate the julienned bell peppers and trimmed snow peas into the wok; continue to stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
06 - Return the seared beef to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over all ingredients and toss vigorously to ensure even coating.
07 - Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the beef to cook completely and the sauce to slightly thicken.
08 - Prior to serving, garnish with freshly sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You'll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, perfect for those "what's for dinner?" emergencies.
- The sauce strikes that perfect balance of spicy, savory, and a little sweet, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
02 -
- Don't overcrowd the wok when searing the beef; working in batches is key to getting a good sear instead of steaming the meat.
- Prepping all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking is absolutely crucial for stir fries, as everything moves so quickly.
03 -
- Cut your beef thinly and uniformly; this ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, preventing tough pieces.
- Serve this immediately over fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite noodles to catch all that delicious sauce.