If you’re craving a dish that packs a flavorful punch and is ready on your table in under 30 minutes, this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender strips of flank steak are seared to perfection, then tossed with fiery dried chili peppers and a luscious, slightly sweet sauce that creates an irresistible balance of heat and savory depth. This recipe is a true celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one chosen not just for flavor but to build layers of texture and color that make every bite a delight. From the nutty sesame oil to the aromatic spices and fresh green onions, these components are essential to bringing the Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe to life.
- 1-1.5 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced into 2-inch strips: Choosing flank steak ensures you have tender, flavorful beef that cooks quickly without drying out.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a toasty aroma and rich depth that complements the heat perfectly.
- 8 dried chili peppers: These are your primary source of heat—use as many as you like based on your spice tolerance.
- 2-3 green onions, chopped into 1-inch pieces: Freshness and a mild onion bite, with some reserved for garnish to add vibrant color.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): The salty umami base of the sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- ¼ cup water: Balances the sauce and helps it coat the beef evenly.
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the spiciness and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: A touch of brightness that livens the overall flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce: Brings a layer of sweetness and complexity traditionally found in stir-fries.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle spice and aromatic zing that enhances the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon flour (or gluten-free flour): Thicken the sauce for that perfect clingy texture on the beef.
How to Make Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisking the Flavorful Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl. Whisk these together until the coconut sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will be the magic that infuses your beef with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, so taking the time here ensures your stir-fry is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Searing the Flank Steak
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced steak strips in a single layer to get that desirable sear. Cook until each side turns a gorgeous golden-brown crust, which locks in the juices and provides a satisfying texture. This step is key to creating a juicy and tender Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe.
Step 3: Stir-Frying with Chili Peppers
Once the steak is nicely browned, toss in the dried chili peppers and stir-fry everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the oil to absorb the chili heat, creating a nicely infused base that will elevate the entire dish with a passionate kick. Adjust the number of chili peppers here if you want to turn up or down the heat.
Step 4: Thickening the Sauce
Before adding your sauce to the skillet, whisk the flour into the sauce mixture well. This ensures there are no lumps and helps the sauce thicken evenly once it hits the heat. Pour the sauce over the beef and chili peppers, making sure every strip gets coated with the rich, flavorful liquid.
Step 5: Simmering to Perfection
Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring occasionally. This simmering stage gives the sauce time to thicken into a glossy glaze that clings to the beef, while also melding all those wonderful flavors into a harmonious punch. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and to ensure it reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Adding the Green Onions
Finally, stir in most of the green onions, reserving some for garnishing. The green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp note and a pop of vibrant green, which brightens the whole dish visually and flavor-wise. Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and get ready to serve your Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe immediately while it’s hot, juicy, and irresistible.
How to Serve Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the reserved green onions on top right before serving for a crisp, fresh crunch and eye-catching color. If you enjoy a little extra heat and texture, consider scattering some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro to add even more layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This spicy stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all the decadent sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice, which will let the bold flavors of the beef shine while adding extra nutrients and texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe wrapped in warm lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy contrast and an enjoyable hands-on experience. Alternatively, share it as part of an Asian-inspired platter including cucumber salad, pickled veggies, and a simple miso soup to create an impressive and balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not better, the next day. Just be sure to cool it fully before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep this dish longer, let it cool completely and then freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When properly stored, it’s an excellent make-ahead meal that retains its bold flavors and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts to avoid drying out the beef. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and keep everything wonderfully saucy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin sliced thinly. Just watch cooking time to avoid toughness.
How spicy is this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe?
The heat level depends on how many dried chili peppers you use. It’s adjustable, so feel free to add more for a fiery kick or reduce if you prefer mild spice, without losing any flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and using gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce. This keeps the integrity of the dish while accommodating dietary needs.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and slice the beef a day in advance. The final cooking step only takes minutes, making it convenient for busy schedules.
What can I substitute for dried chili peppers if I don’t have any?
Fresh chili peppers, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce can be used to provide heat. Adjust the quantity to your taste to maintain the signature spicy kick of this stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that marries heat, sweet, and savory flavors so effortlessly, all while being quick and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. This Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family because it brings bold excitement to the dinner table without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll love how it turns a simple steak into a flavor-packed celebration.
Print
Hot and Spicy Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Hot and Spicy Beef recipe features tender flank steak strips cooked quickly with dried chili peppers and a flavorful savory-sweet sauce. The dish balances heat, umami, and subtle sweetness, making it a vibrant stir-fry perfect for a quick weeknight meal that serves four.
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, divided
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 thoroughly combined. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flank steak strips in a single layer, cooking until browned on each side to develop a good sear and enhance flavor.
- Add dried chili peppers: Introduce the dried chili peppers to the skillet and stir-fry together with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the heat and aroma of the peppers to infuse the dish.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk the flour into the prepared sauce mixture until smooth. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the beef and chili peppers, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the contents of the skillet to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to coat the beef nicely.
- Finish with green onions and serve: Stir in most of the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately serve the hot and spicy beef garnished with the remaining green onions.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with gluten-free flour and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the number of dried chili peppers to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Flank steak should be sliced thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles to balance the spiciness.
