Sweet and Spicy Beef Stir Fry

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Sweet and Spicy Beef Stir Fry is your go-to dish for a quick, satisfying meal that packs a punch. Combining tender beef with vibrant veggies and a kick of spice, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Beef Stir Fry

Beef sirloin is the star of this dish, offering a tender and flavorful protein base that cooks quickly. Marinating it ensures the meat absorbs the sweet and spicy notes. Soy sauce and oyster sauce work together to provide a salty, umami-rich depth. Honey balances the heat with a touch of sweetness, while chili flakes add a pleasant kick. Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots not only add color but also a satisfying crunch. Garlic and ginger introduce aromatic layers, making the dish truly irresistible. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh and nutty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • For a stronger flavor, marinate the beef for up to 30 minutes if you have time.
  • Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola to avoid burning during stir-frying.

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak or skirt steak work well as alternatives.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian oyster sauce.
Is it possible to make this less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the chili flakes based on your heat preference.

Sweet and Spicy Beef Stir Fry Recipe Walkthrough

Start by marinating your beef slices. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and chili flakes in a bowl, and toss in the beef. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb those flavors — this step makes a big difference in taste.

While the beef is marinating, prep your vegetables. Slice up your bell peppers, cut the broccoli into small florets, and julienne the carrots. Mince your garlic and ginger if you haven’t yet. These fresh ingredients will brighten the dish.

Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them briefly until fragrant — you’ll know it when you smell it.

Toss in your marinated beef slices, spreading them out in the pan. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides; this should take just a few minutes. Stir in the prepared bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes!
  • A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp chili flakes
1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1/4 cup carrots, julienned
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Marinate the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and chili flakes for 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
4. Stir in marinated beef slices, cooking until browned.
5. Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots; stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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