If you are craving something with a fiery kick and packed with bold flavors, this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender strips of beef seared to perfection mingle with crunchy bell peppers and onions, all enveloped in a deliciously saucy blend of chili garlic, hoisin, and oyster sauces. Every bite delivers an exciting contrast of heat, sweetness, and umami, making it an irresistible dish perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish come alive on your plate.
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain): Provides tender, juicy beef that cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and a subtle saltiness to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings rich umami and slight sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Enhances the sauce with a touch of smoky sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce: The heart of the dish’s heat and garlicky punch – adjust to your spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the bold flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps the beef marinade cling to the meat and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Needed for high-heat stir-frying, ensuring a perfect sear.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Offers vibrant color and crisp sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced): Adds crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Provides sweetness and texture as it softens in the stir-fry.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic pungency.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Lends a zesty warmth and depth.
- 2–3 dried red chilies or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): To amp up the heat even more if desired.
- 2 green onions (sliced): For fresh garnish with mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade tenderizes the meat and gives it a flavorful coating that will be key to a luscious stir fry. Letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes allows those flavors to deeply penetrate the beef.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
While the beef marinates, whisk together the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This vibrant, spicy sauce blend is the soul of the dish, balancing heat, sweetness, and acidity perfectly.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a wide skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Carefully spread the beef slices in a single layer—this ensures a quick, even sear without steaming the meat. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes before stir-frying for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until nicely browned all over. Remove the beef and set it aside temporarily.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic, grated ginger, and if using, dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain their crunch, contributing a fantastic contrast to the tender beef.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the pan, pour in your vibrant sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and coat every piece of beef and vegetable with flavor-packed goodness. Your Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to serve.
How to Serve Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds make the perfect final touch. They add a pop of color, crunch, and that subtle nutty flavor that complements the fiery sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic over steamed jasmine rice or alongside your favorite noodles, which soak up the sauce deliciously. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or crisp, sautéed greens for extra veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups or wrapped in rice paper for an interactive meal. You can also pile it onto warm flatbreads or serve it with a side of pickled vegetables to add brightness and texture diversity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so it can taste even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Place cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the beef and making it tough. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal because of their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can experiment with other cuts like ribeye or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
How spicy is this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted easily by modifying the amount of chili garlic sauce and dried chilies you add. If you prefer milder food, start with less chili garlic sauce and omit the dried chilies altogether.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
By substituting tamari for soy sauce and checking the oyster and hoisin sauces for gluten-free labels, you can make this Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace beef with tofu or seitan and use vegan versions of oyster and hoisin sauces. Just be mindful of cooking times, as tofu benefits from a gentle stir-fry to keep it firm.
What can I serve with this stir fry for a complete meal?
Serve it alongside steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh Asian-style cucumber salad to balance the heat. Adding a side of sautéed or steamed greens can round out your meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings excitement and vibrant flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Its bold seasoning, quick cooking steps, and versatile serving options make it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves a delicious, fiery meal. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite dishes to cook again and again.
Print
Hot and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe features thinly sliced flank steak stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, onion, and a flavorful sauce blend of soy, oyster, hoisin, and chili garlic sauce. Perfectly balanced with a kick of heat and aromatic ginger and garlic, it’s a quick and delicious Asian-inspired main course great for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2–3 dried red chilies or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and rice vinegar until fully combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to get a nice browned crust. Then stir-fry the beef for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fully browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables and Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried red chilies (if using). Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the beef is heated through and coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili garlic sauce or dried red chilies.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and check all sauces for gluten content.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If you prefer milder heat, omit the dried chilies and reduce chili garlic sauce.
