Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe

This Hot and Spicy Beef is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner! Imagine tender strips of beef stir-fried with dried chili peppers and a savory, spicy sauce. This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and exciting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of dried chili peppers, soy sauce, and other Asian-inspired ingredients creates a delicious and spicy sauce that coats the beef beautifully.
• Versatile: Serve this Hot and Spicy Beef with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables. It’s also great for meal prepping or adding to stir-fries and other dishes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet, saving you time and effort.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Flank steak: Thinly sliced into strips for quick cooking.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Dried chili peppers: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Green onions: Chopped and adds a fresh onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

For the Sauce

• Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty and savory base for the sauce. You can substitute with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Water: Thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
• Coconut sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
• White wine vinegar: Adds a tangy and acidic element to the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: Adds a rich and umami flavor with a touch of sweetness.
• Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Ground ginger: Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce. You can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Hot and Spicy Beef

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Chili Peppers

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned. The beef doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point. Add the dried chili peppers to the skillet and sauté with the beef for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Just before adding the sauce to the skillet, whisk the flour into the sauce mixture until smooth and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Pour the thickened sauce into the skillet with the beef and chili peppers. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through. Stir in most of the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish. Remove from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with the remaining green onions.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of dried chili peppers or sriracha to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish.
• Don’t overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and cooked through.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide a more potent and flavorful sauce compared to their dried or powdered counterparts.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more flour or cornstarch.
• Garnish with your favorites: Besides green onions, you can garnish the dish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve

This Hot and Spicy Beef is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for this dish.
• Noodles: Toss the beef and sauce with your favorite noodles, such as ramen, udon, or soba noodles.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hot and Spicy Beef is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover beef and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can! Other tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin steak, New York strip steak, or even ribeye steak, would also work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this recipe without the cornstarch or flour?

Yes, you can! The cornstarch or flour is used to thicken the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer a thinner sauce.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped onions.

4. Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Definitely! Reduce the amount of dried chili peppers or sriracha to your liking. You can also omit the chili peppers altogether for a milder flavor.

This Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and customizable spice level, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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