If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavor and packs just the right amount of heat, this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds. Tender slices of beef get flash-seared and tossed with colorful peppers, onions, and the kind of fiery, savory sauce that will wake up every inch of your palate. The best part? It comes together quickly enough for a busy weeknight, but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen. Unlock the secret to fast, flavor-packed stir-fry with this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe — a dish that’s guaranteed to become a repeat request at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients shine in this dish — each one has a special job, whether it’s adding heat, bringing out the umami, or lending gorgeous color and crunch. Choose the freshest meat and veggies you can find for the brightest flavor in your Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe!
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 ½ lbs, thinly sliced against the grain): Slicing against the grain keeps each bite unbelievably tender.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, for marinade + 3 tablespoons for sauce): Divided use gives the beef a rich base and adds a salty, savory layer to the final stir-fry.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Creates that glossy, restaurant-style coating and helps thicken the sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Has a high smoke point, perfect for fast stir-frying.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds natural sweetness and a stunning pop of color.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings fresh crunch and a touch of grassy flavor.
- Small onion (1, sliced): Caramelizes just enough to sweeten and round out the heat.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses each bite with a gentle, robust pungency.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Sparks up the entire dish with fresh, aromatic zing.
- Dried red chilies (2–3) or red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Controls the signature heat level — adjust to your taste!
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides sweet, tangy, and velvety depth.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the dish a subtle spark of acidity, balancing richness.
- Chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon or more): Layers on the spicy, garlicky punch you crave.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A few drops at the end add unmistakable nutty aroma.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Finish the Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe with crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Toss your thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade isn’t just for flavor — it tenderizes the meat and sets you up for that irresistible crispy edge in the pan. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you get your other ingredients ready. A little patience here goes a long way!
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering hot. Add the marinated beef in batches (don’t overcrowd!) and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for deep browning and a gorgeous crust. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside — it’ll finish cooking later in the Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe, so don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies & Aromatics
With your pan still screaming hot, pour in the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried red chilies or red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still vibrant and the kitchen smells heavenly spicy.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil. This quick sauce is the backbone of your Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe, balancing savory, sweet, tangy, and fiery flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the seared beef back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour the sauce over everything and toss until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. The beef should be tender and juicy, and the peppers still crisp.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, shower your Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This final flourish adds fresh bite and crunch — now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Always finish your Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe with a lively sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. Their freshness and crunch make every bite prettier and punchier — and if you like, a light scatter of cilantro or chopped peanuts adds another delicious layer.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines over fluffy steamed rice, silky rice noodles, or even crisp-tender cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. A side of roasted broccoli or snap pea salad is lovely for a little extra green on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, pile your Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe into lettuce cups for a taco-style treat, or scoop it over a crispy noodle nest for an impressive main course presentation. The colors and sizzle do most of the work for you — let your imagination play!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors may even deepen overnight. Be sure to let it cool before storing to preserve the veggies’ texture.
Freezing
The cooked beef and sauce freeze well, though the peppers and onions may soften a little after thawing. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even heating. Garnish fresh before serving — it’ll taste almost like you just made this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are classic for stir-fries, but skirt steak or even thinly sliced ribeye will taste fantastic in this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe. Just remember to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How do I make it less spicy?
Dial back the number of dried chilies or use less chili garlic sauce for a milder result. You can also skip the red pepper flakes altogether, and let heat-lovers add extra at the table.
Can I substitute the vegetables?
Definitely! Broccoli florets, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots all work beautifully in this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe. Use what you have on hand or mix and match for color and crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With one quick swap — use a gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce — this dish can be easily made gluten-free. Just double-check labels on your hoisin and chili garlic sauce.
What’s the best way to slice the beef?
Pop the beef into the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing; it firms up and makes thin, even slices easier. Always cut against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe is that game-changing dish you’ll reach for every time you crave a flavorful, speedy meal with real wow factor. Don’t be surprised if it disappears even faster than it comes together! Gather your ingredients, fire up the pan, and give it a go — your dinner rotation will thank you.
Print
Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hot and Spicy Beef recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a spicy sauce, creating a dish that is both satisfying and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Marinated Beef:
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2–3 dried red chilies (or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish: sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate Beef: Toss sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir-Fry: Sear marinated beef in a hot skillet. Remove and set aside. Stir-fry vegetables and aromatics. Return beef to the pan.
- Make Sauce: Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil. Pour over beef and vegetables.
- Finish and Serve: Cook until heated through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using more or fewer chilies.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
