If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch with bold flavors and a wonderful balance of heat and sweetness, this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender strips of flank steak tossed in a vibrant sauce that brings together the smoky allure of dried chili peppers, the subtle tang from white wine vinegar, and a touch of coconut sugar sweetness that lingers on your tongue. This recipe is straightforward yet sensational, delivering a zesty, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and exciting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe. Each component contributes texture, flavor, or aroma, ensuring a harmonious final dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- Flank steak (1-1.5 pounds): Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Brings a nutty aroma and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the beef.
- Dried chili peppers (8 pieces): Adds authentic heat and a fiery kick that defines the dish.
- Green onions (2-3, chopped): Provides fresh pop of color and mild oniony sweetness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup): Delivers umami depth without overpowering saltiness; coconut aminos can be used as a substitute.
- Water (¼ cup): Balances the sauce and helps with consistency.
- Coconut sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- White wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Offers brightness and a tangy contrast.
- Hoisin sauce (2 teaspoons): Lends a smooth, slightly sweet, and soy-based richness.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses bold, savory notes that elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Brings warmth and a hint of spice for depth.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Used to thicken the sauce for a glossy, clingy finish; gluten-free flour works well here.
How to Make Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl. This mixture is the foundation of that unforgettable, complex flavor that sets the Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe apart, balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy notes seamlessly.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced flank steak strips and sear them until each side is beautifully browned. This step locks in the meat’s juices and adds a savory crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Add Chili Peppers
Toss the dried chili peppers into the skillet with the seared beef. Stir-fry together for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chilies to infuse the meat with a smoky, fiery heat that is signature to this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe.
Step 4: Thicken and Add Sauce
Whisk the flour into your sauce mixture until smooth, then pour it into the skillet with the beef and chili peppers. This thickened sauce will coat each piece of meat perfectly, holding onto all those beautiful flavors.
Step 5: Simmer to Finish
Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens to a glossy, luscious consistency that clings deliciously to the beef strips—this is when the magic really happens!
Step 6: Stir in Green Onions and Serve
Finally, stir most of your chopped green onions into the skillet to add a fresh, mild crunch. Reserve some green onions for garnish. Remove the dish from heat, plate it, and garnish with fresh green onions for a burst of vibrant color and flavor on top.
How to Serve Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a natural choice for garnishing this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe, adding a fresh contrast to the rich and spicy meat. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh sliced chili peppers on top for an extra pop of texture and heat.
Side Dishes
This vibrant beef pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce. For something lighter, serve alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to add crunch and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, try serving your Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe lettuce wraps-style with crisp butter lettuce leaves on the side. Guests can scoop up the spicy beef and sauce, enjoying each bite’s contrast of textures. Another fun idea is to present it over a bed of noodles to create a satisfying, restaurant-quality feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by portioning the beef and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe stays delicious for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick, stirring frequently until heated through. This method helps maintain the beef’s tenderness and keeps the sauce silky and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef for this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe?
Yes! While flank steak is preferred for its texture and quick cooking, you can substitute with skirt steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking thinner cuts.
How spicy is this Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the dried chili peppers, but you can easily customize the spiciness by adjusting the number of chilies or removing the seeds. If you prefer milder flavors, consider using fewer chilies or a milder pepper variety.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce. The delicious flavor remains just as vibrant and satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe stores well and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for preparing meals ahead of a busy week.
What can I use instead of coconut sugar?
You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Each will slightly alter the sweetness and richness of the sauce, but all maintain the overall balance of flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe has a way of transforming simple ingredients into something irresistibly delicious and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a dish that brings warmth, bold flavor, and a little thrill of spice to the table. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite recipes to make again and again!
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
Description
A flavorful Hot and Spicy Beef recipe featuring tender flank steak strips stir-fried with dried chili peppers and a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick 20-minute meal that combines the bold flavors of soy, garlic, and ginger 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 soy sauce, water, coconut sugar, white wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- Sear Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak strips and cook them until browned on each side, ensuring a nice sear and caramelization for flavor development.
- Add Chili Peppers: Add the dried chili peppers to the skillet and stir-fry with the beef for 2-3 minutes. This infuses the beef with a spicy heat and aroma from the chilies.
- Thicken and Add Sauce: Whisk the flour into the prepared sauce mixture to help thicken it. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and chili peppers, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that clings to the beef.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in most of the chopped green onions, reserving a few pieces for garnish. Remove the skillet from heat and serve the hot and spicy beef immediately, garnished with the remaining green onions.
Notes
- Flank steak can be substituted with skirt steak or sirloin for similar texture and flavor.
- Adjust the number of dried chili peppers according to your spice tolerance.
- Use gluten-free flour if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of coconut sugar.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to complement the bold flavors.
