Are you craving a quick and tasty dinner that packs a flavorful punch? Look no further than my Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry! This dish combines tender beef with fresh veggies and a fiery garlic kick. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a meal that impresses every time. Get ready to spice up your weeknight dinners with this simple and delicious recipe that your family will love!

Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry
– 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
– 1-2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
– 2 green onions, chopped
These main ingredients give the dish its bold flavors. The flank steak provides a tender bite, while the soy and oyster sauces add depth. Garlic and ginger bring warmth, and the chilies add a spicy kick.
Additional Seasonings and Condiments
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Salt and black pepper help balance the flavors in the dish. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch when sprinkled on top before serving.
Optional Garnishes
– Chopped green onions
– Extra red chilies
Green onions add freshness. You can use more red chilies if you want to amp up the heat. Feel free to play with these garnishes to make your dish look vibrant!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Beef and Marinade
Start by slicing 1 lb of flank steak thinly. Cut against the grain for the best texture. In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss it well to coat each piece of beef. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
Cooking the Beef to Perfection
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it is hot before adding the beef. Place the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned. After that, stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. This method locks in flavors and keeps the beef juicy.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until they smell great. Then, toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, 1 cup of trimmed snap peas, and 1-2 sliced red chilies. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crisp. Finally, return the beef to the skillet, mix well, and heat through for about a minute. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste. This quick cooking keeps the nutrients and flavors bright!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Searing Beef
To get great sear on your beef, start with a hot pan. Heat your skillet or wok until it’s very hot. Use just enough oil to coat the bottom. Add the beef in a single layer. Don’t move it too soon. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes. This helps form a tasty crust. After that, stir-fry for another 2 minutes. This keeps the beef juicy and tender.
Enhancing the Flavor with Spices
Garlic and ginger are key to flavor in this dish. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best taste. Don’t skip the red chilies if you want heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. Soy sauce and oyster sauce add depth. They bring out the umami in your beef. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices too!
Achieving Crisp-Tender Vegetables
To keep your veggies crisp, don’t overcook them. Stir-fry them quickly over high heat. Start with the garlic and ginger for flavor, then add bell peppers and snap peas. Cook for just 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still bright and crunchy. This adds great texture to your stir-fry. Always taste as you go to find the right balance!
Variations
Alternative Proteins to Use
You can switch the beef for other proteins. Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each option brings its own flavor. Chicken adds a mild taste, while shrimp cooks quickly. Tofu is perfect for a plant-based dish. Make sure to adjust cooking times for each protein. This keeps your meal tasty and fun.
Customizing Spice Levels
Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you want more heat, add extra red chilies. For a milder dish, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. You can also add sweet bell peppers for balance. If you love garlic, increase the amount. It adds warmth without too much heat.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to swap out veggies based on your taste. Broccoli, carrots, or zucchini work well in this stir-fry. Use whatever you have on hand. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Cooking them until tender yet crisp keeps all the flavors fresh. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect blend!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
Store your Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the dish fresh. Avoid letting it sit out too long. Always label your container with the date.
How to Reheat for Best Results
To reheat, use a skillet or a pan. Add a splash of water or broth. Heat on medium until warm. Stir often to prevent sticking. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely to allow steam to escape. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the beef tender and the veggies crisp.
Freezing Options
You can freeze Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid refreezing after thawing to keep the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
What is the best cut of beef for stir-fry?
The best cut of beef for stir-frying is flank steak. It has a great flavor and is tender. Slice it thin against the grain to keep it soft. Other good options include sirloin and ribeye. They also work well in stir-fries.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To make this recipe less spicy, reduce the number of red chilies. You can use just one or skip them altogether. Another option is to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas. These will balance the heat and add sweetness.
Can I make Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the beef and veggies, then cool them down. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just heat it up in a pan. Add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry. We covered the key ingredients, from the beef to spices and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking beef and vegetables. You learned tips for perfect flavor and texture, along with variations for protein and spice levels. Proper storage methods were also discussed.
As you try this recipe, feel free to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure and delight in your delicious meals!
