Hunan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry
Experience a burst of flavors with this Hunan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry! Tender, thinly sliced beef is marinated and quickly cooked to perfection, then tossed in a vibrant and spicy Hunan sauce that combines aromatic garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also a colorful addition to your dinner table, perfect when served over a bed of fluffy rice and complemented with greens like steamed or stir-fried broccoli or green beans. Embrace the bold, spicy flavors of Hunan cuisine, and elevate your home-cooked meals with this delicious recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef flank steak or beef top sirloin steak
1 lb (very thinly sliced across-the-grain)
peanut oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
dry sherry
2 tablespoons
water
3 tablespoons
green onions
2 (thinly sliced)
minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
asian chili paste with garlic
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
sugar
2 tablespoons
toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon
distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of peanut oil, soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of dry sherry, 3 tablespoons of water, green onions, minced ginger, minced garlic, chili paste, sugar, toasted sesame oil, distilled vinegar, and black pepper to create the Hunan Sauce.
2
Divide the marinade, using half to marinate the sliced beef flank or top sirloin steak for approximately 20 minutes at room temperature.
3
While the beef is marinating, prepare the Hunan Sauce by mixing the remaining marinade in a separate bowl and setting aside.
4
Once marinated, drain the beef, ensuring to save the marinade, and stir the drained beef into the Hunan Sauce mixture.
5
Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until just cooked through but still slightly rare, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and cover to keep warm.
7
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut oil to the skillet, then pour in the Hunan Sauce mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is fragrant and begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
8
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, toss to combine with the sauce, and heat through an additional minute.
9
Serve the Hunan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry hot, over steamed rice, alongside your choice of fresh greens.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hunan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry?
It is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender, thinly sliced beef marinated and cooked in a spicy Hunan sauce made with garlic, ginger, and chili paste.
What type of beef is best for this stir-fry?
Beef flank steak or beef top sirloin steak are the recommended cuts for this recipe.
How should the beef be prepared before cooking?
The beef should be very thinly sliced across-the-grain to ensure tenderness.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should be marinated for approximately 20 minutes at room temperature.
What are the primary ingredients in the Hunan Sauce?
The sauce consists of peanut oil, soy sauce, dry sherry, water, green onions, ginger, garlic, chili paste, sugar, toasted sesame oil, distilled vinegar, and black pepper.
What kind of oil is used for frying?
Peanut oil is used for both the sauce and the stir-frying process.
How do I make the dish spicy?
The spiciness comes from Asian chili paste with garlic; you can use one tablespoon or adjust to your personal taste.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, complemented with greens like steamed or stir-fried broccoli or green beans.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Distilled white vinegar is used to provide a hint of acidity to the sauce.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to balance the heat and savory flavors.
How long does it take to cook the beef in the skillet?
Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes until it is just cooked through but still slightly rare.
Can I use a substitute for dry sherry?
While the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dry sherry, common substitutes in Asian cooking include Shaoxing wine or dry white wine.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger.
What should I do with the marinade after soaking the beef?
Drain the beef and stir it into the remaining Hunan Sauce mixture before final cooking.
How do I prepare the green onions?
You should thinly slice 2 green onions to include in the sauce mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is toasted sesame oil necessary?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil is added for its characteristic nutty aroma and flavor.
What heat level should the skillet be at?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat until hot before adding the beef.
How long does the sauce need to cook on its own?
The sauce mixture should be cooked for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and begins to thicken.
What is the final step of the cooking process?
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the thickened sauce and heat through for an additional minute.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is classified as a quick dinner and a 30-minute meal.
Can I use top sirloin instead of flank steak?
Yes, beef top sirloin steak is a perfect alternative to flank steak for this recipe.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of water.
What is the purpose of the black pepper in this dish?
1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper is added for an extra layer of mild heat and seasoning.
Should I cover the beef after the first round of cooking?
Yes, transfer the cooked beef to a plate and cover it to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
Is this recipe authentic to a specific region?
The recipe is inspired by Hunan cuisine, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors.
How much beef do I need?
You will need 1 lb of beef flank or top sirloin steak.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the chili paste can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a milder or hotter stir-fry.