Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry

Why Make This Recipe

Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry is a delicious and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender beef with vibrant vegetables in a savory, spicy sauce. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it is also easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is great for families or anyone who loves a hearty meal that doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp chili paste (Sambal Oelek or similar)
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• Optional: red pepper flakes + sesame seeds for topping

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, onion, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Return the beef to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, brown sugar (or honey), and rice vinegar (or lime juice). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine everything well.
6. Serve hot over jasmine rice or noodles and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry

You can serve Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or toss it with noodles for a filling meal. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad. For added flavor, you might want to sprinkle some green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving.

How to Store Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry

To store leftovers, place the Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should be good for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool it first and then keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.

Tips to Make Spicy Garlic Beef Stir Fry

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Adjust the amount of chili paste to your spice preference.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the beef. This helps it cook quickly without becoming tough.

Variation

You can change the protein in this stir fry by using chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The same sauce and preparation method would work well with these alternatives.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it completely and slice it thinly for even cooking.

2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or soy sauce for a vegetarian version.

3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can vary depending on the amount of chili paste you use. You can adjust it to your taste by adding less for a milder flavor or more for extra heat.