Sizzling Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry

Name: Sizzling Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tbsp soy sauce ((for marinade)); 1 tsp cornstarch ((for marinade)); 1 tsp sesame oil ((for marinade)); 1 tbsp vegetable oil ((plus more as needed)); 3 cups green beans, trimmed; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes ((or to taste)); 3 tbsp soy sauce ((for sauce)); 1 tbsp hoisin sauce ((for sauce)); 1 tbsp oyster sauce ((for sauce)); 1 tbsp rice vinegar ((for sauce)); 1 tbsp brown sugar ((for sauce)); 1/4 cup water ((for sauce)); 1 tsp cornstarch ((for sauce)); cooked jasmine or white rice ((for serving)); optional sesame seeds or sliced green onions ((for garnish))

Published by Ilyas, Date :

April 11, 2025

This Sizzling Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry is a bold and satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Tender strips of beef are seared to perfection and tossed in a garlicky, spicy sauce alongside crisp green beans, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like takeout but tastes fresher and better. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for any meal. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

A quick and easy stir-fry that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with tender beef, crisp-tender green beans, and a punchy garlic-chili sauce.
Perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and umami for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Customizable with additional veggies or protein options to suit your preferences.
Gluten-free and low-carb friendly with simple substitutions.
Served over steamed rice for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-quality food at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the beef marinade:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the stir-fry:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more as needed)
3 cups green beans, trimmed
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Optional: 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

For the sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For serving:

Cooked jasmine or white rice
Optional: Sesame seeds or sliced green onions for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss until the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. The cornstarch helps lock in moisture, ensuring the beef stays tender during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. This sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, coating the beef and green beans with a rich, flavorful glaze.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

Heat ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp and slightly blistered. Remove the green beans from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

Add another ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Working in batches if necessary, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear the beef for 1–2 minutes without stirring, allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir-fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the beef is cooked through but still tender. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

To the beef, add the minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 6: Combine and Sauce It Up

Return the cooked green beans to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and green beans.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of steamed jasmine or white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Additional veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
Protein swap: Substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Spice level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicier kick.
Low-carb option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve the stir-fry over zucchini noodles.
Flavor boost: Use hoisin or oyster sauce in place of brown sugar for a deeper, richer taste.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating tips: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing: Not recommended due to texture changes in the green beans, but the beef and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before stir-frying to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal—slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sauces to suit your taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it gluten-free.
Do I have to marinate the beef?
No long marinating is needed—just coat with cornstarch and season before cooking.
How do I get the beef tender?
Slice it thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prep all components in advance and stir-fry just before serving for the best results.
What rice works best?
Jasmine or white rice are classic choices, but brown rice also works well for added fiber.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Should I blanch the green beans?
No need—stir-frying keeps them crisp and flavorful.

Conclusion

This Sizzling Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful meal that brings the bold flavors of your favorite Asian takeout right to your kitchen. With tender beef, crisp green beans, and a punchy garlic-chili sauce, it’s an easy and delicious way to spice up your dinner routine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish is sure to satisfy. Pair it with steamed rice for a comforting meal that’s ready in no time.

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This Sizzling Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry is an easy and flavorful meal made with thinly sliced beef, tender-crisp green beans, and a bold garlic-chili sauce. Served over steamed rice, it’s a takeout-style dinner you can make at home in under 30 minutes.

Author: Beth
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Recipe Card

Ingredients
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