If you’re on the hunt for a dish that packs a punch and comes together quickly, this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. It brilliantly balances the tender, savory richness of flank steak with a vibrant, spicy sauce that will awaken every taste bud. Loaded with aromatic dried chili peppers, fresh green onions, and a luscious blend of soy, hoisin, and coconut sugar, this dish is a feast of flavors and textures that’s as comforting as it is exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe lies largely in its straightforward but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the vibrant color, bold flavor, and satisfying bite that make this dish shine.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced into 2-inch strips to cook quickly and stay tender.
- Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma and is ideal for high-heat cooking in a stir-fry.
- Dried chili peppers: Bring the essential heat and a smoky depth to the dish.
- Green onions: Provide fresh, sharp bites of flavor and a pop of green color.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Offers umami richness without overpowering saltiness.
- Water: Balances the sauce and helps in achieving the perfect consistency.
- Coconut sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that complements the spicy elements.
- White wine vinegar: Lends brightness and a slight tang to balance the flavors.
- Hoisin sauce: Contributes a sweet-savory depth with a hint of complexity.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with pungent warmth and aromatic intensity.
- Ground ginger: Introduces a subtle zing that enhances the overall profile.
- Flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect cling on every beef strip.
How to Make Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl. This combination forms the soulful base of your hot and spicy sauce—each ingredient stirring in complexity and balance that make the beef irresistible.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the flank steak strips and sear them until they brown beautifully on all sides. This quick cooking locks in juices and builds the savory foundation your stir-fry needs.
Step 3: Add the Dried Chili Peppers
Introduce the dried chili peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry them with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing their smoky, fiery flavor to infuse every bite. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen and build anticipation for the meal ahead.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk the flour into your prepped sauce mixture until smooth. Pour this thickened sauce over the beef and chili peppers in the skillet. This stage transforms the simple ingredients into a glossy, flavorful coating that clings perfectly to every strip of steak.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring occasionally. Watch as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld, creating that crave-worthy balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
Step 6: Finish with Green Onions
Stir in most of the chopped green onions, leaving some behind to sprinkle on top as garnish. This adds freshness and a burst of color that brightens the entire dish. Remove the skillet from heat — your Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is now ready to serve.
How to Serve Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic topper, adding crispness and a light oniony bite to contrast the richness of the stir-fry. For extra heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil on top can amplify the spice level beautifully. Toasted sesame seeds not only bring a mild crunch but also boost the nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish begs for simple, complementary sides such as steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For some veggies on the side, stir-fried bok choy or sautéed snow peas add crunch and balance the heat with subtle sweetness and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist, or wrap it in warm lettuce leaves for a fun handheld bite. If you want to impress, plate the beef alongside a colorful slaw made from shredded cabbage and carrots tossed with lime juice and cilantro—perfection on a plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, making reheated portions just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible for the best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak works wonderfully for its tenderness and quick cooking, skirt steak or sirloin strips also make great substitutes for this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level can be adjusted by the number of dried chili peppers you add. For a milder version, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds before cooking. To crank up the heat, add fresh sliced chilies or a dash of chili oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos and substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan for a vegetarian spin. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and consider using vegetable broth to enhance flavor.
What can I do with the leftover sauce?
The flavorful sauce is great tossed with noodles or drizzled over roasted vegetables for an extra kick. You can even marinate chicken or tofu in it for another quick meal idea.
Final Thoughts
This Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those meals that delivers big flavor without any fuss. The perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory will keep you coming back for more, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Hot and Spicy Beef recipe features tender flank steak strips cooked quickly in a savory and spicy sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, and chili peppers. It’s a fast and flavorful stir-fry dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1–1.5 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced into 2-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 8 dried chili peppers
- 2–3 green onions, chopped into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon flour (or gluten-free flour)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the flank steak strips and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on each side, ensuring they are seared properly for maximum flavor.
- Add Chili Peppers: Add the dried chili peppers to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the heat from the peppers to infuse into the meat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the flour into the previously prepared sauce mixture to eliminate any lumps. Pour this thickened sauce over the beef and chili peppers in the skillet.
- Simmer the Dish: Bring the skillet contents to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and coat the beef strips evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in most of the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish. Remove the skillet from heat and serve the hot and spicy beef immediately, garnished with the remaining green onions for fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of chili peppers according to your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce and flour with tamari and gluten-free flour respectively.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- Ensure not to overcook the flank steak to maintain tenderness.
