If you crave something with a punch of heat and loads of flavor, this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. It strikes the perfect balance between tender, seared beef strips and a sauce that packs a savory, sweet, and fiery kick all at once. This dish is refreshingly simple yet exhilarating on the palate, making it an absolute showstopper whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or impressing friends at a dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe comes from straightforward ingredients that blend seamlessly to create layers of flavor. Each component plays a role, whether it’s bringing texture, color, or that unforgettable spicy warmth you’re after.
- 1-1.5 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced: Choosing flank steak gives you tender strips that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a fragrant nuttiness and helps in quickly searing the beef.
- 8 dried chili peppers: These are the heart of the heat, delivering smoky spiciness the dish is known for.
- 2-3 green onions, chopped: Offers a fresh bite and a pop of vibrant green color.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Provides a salty, umami base for the sauce.
- ¼ cup water: Balances the intensity and thins out the sauce just right.
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar: Adds a mellow sweetness that complements the heat.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Brings a bright acidity that lifts the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce: Introduces depth and a subtle tangy complexity.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing and warmth underneath the spice.
- 1 tablespoon flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
How to Make Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl. This blend forms the flavorful backbone of your dish, balancing sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy notes.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat your sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the thin strips of flank steak, spreading them out so each piece has direct contact with the pan. Cook until each side has a nice brown sear; this caramelization builds deep flavor and tenderness.
Step 3: Add the Chili Peppers
Toss in the dried chili peppers and green onions. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step coats the beef with heat and adds a touch of freshness from the green onions, intensifying both flavor and color.
Step 4: Thicken and Add the Sauce
Whisk the flour into your prepared sauce until smooth—this prevents lumps and helps achieve that luscious, glossy finish. Pour the sauce into the skillet, making sure every strip of beef and chili pepper gets generously coated.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens beautifully, enveloping everything in that irresistible hot and spicy glaze.
How to Serve Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make a big difference here. Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch and a burst of color. If you want to dial up the spice, add a few fresh chopped chili slices for an eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
This Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe shines alongside steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every flavorful drop of sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with stir-fried veggies or a crisp cucumber salad to cool the palate and balance the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the beef in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on meal experience or pile it atop warm rice noodles for an Asian-inspired fusion dish. Either way, the vibrant sauce will make your presentation pop and get everyone excited to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to meld, making for a delicious next-day meal. Use within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe if you want to save it longer. Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months without compromising flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring to redistribute the sauce and prevent the beef from drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps restore its saucy consistency and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak works wonderfully here because of its texture and flavor, you can swap it with sirloin or skirt steak. Just slice thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.
What if I don’t want it too spicy?
Feel free to reduce the number of dried chili peppers or remove their seeds. You can also balance the heat with a bit more coconut sugar or a splash of mild vinegar to keep that rich flavor without overwhelming spice.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Tofu or seitan make fantastic plant-based alternatives. Press and slice your chosen protein, then follow the same steps for cooking and sauce to capture the essence of the Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. The sauce can be whisked together a day in advance, and your beef can be pre-sliced and refrigerated. This speeds up cooking and lets you enjoy this dish with less fuss when hunger strikes.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in a little water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the beef, but not so thick that it becomes gloopy.
Final Thoughts
This Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe is a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and quick cooking that will have you coming back for more. It’s straightforward enough to make any day special yet bursting with complexity and heat to thrill your taste buds. Go ahead and give it a try—your kitchen and your hungry crew will thank you!
Print
Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Hot and Spicy Beef recipe features tender flank steak strips stir-fried with dried chili peppers and green onions, coated in a flavorful, slightly sweet and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, coconut sugar, hoisin, and garlic. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1–1.5 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced into 2-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 8 dried chili peppers
- 2–3 green onions, chopped into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon flour (or gluten-free flour)
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until fully combined. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Sear Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak strips and cook them for a few minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through.
- Add Chili Peppers: Add the dried chili peppers to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry the mixture together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors and spiciness to meld.
- Thicken and Add Sauce: Whisk the flour into the prepared sauce mixture to create a slurry. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and chili peppers, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- For less heat, reduce the number of dried chili peppers or remove their seeds before cooking.
- Substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
