If you are craving a meal bursting with bold flavors and vibrant textures, the Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish. This recipe combines tender, marinated flank steak with crisp green beans, all tossed in a luscious, spicy garlic sauce that dances on the palate. Paired with fragrant jasmine rice, it balances heat, savoriness, and a touch of sweetness, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this dish is straightforward yet packed with personality that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, layering flavors and textures that make the Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe shine. From the tender beef to the fresh green beans and the aromatic spices, every item is essential to creating a harmonious and mouthwatering dish.
- 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain): Choosing flank steak ensures tender, quick-cooking beef perfect for stir-frying.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds rich umami depth and saltiness that anchors the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Provides a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a fruity tang that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste): Packs the spicy kick and garlicky punch that defines the dish’s bold personality.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the chili heat and savory sauces.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the marinade into a sticky glaze that clings to the beef.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Essential for stir-frying the beef and green beans to perfection without sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with pungent aroma and savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced): Adds a subtle zingy freshness that brightens the overall flavor.
- 2 cups green beans (trimmed): Contribute a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to steam the green beans, ensuring they stay tender yet crisp.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: Provides the fragrant, fluffy base the stir-fry is served over.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Add a lovely nutty crunch and fresh, sharp bite as a finishing touch.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start with the star of the dish by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. This combination creates a luscious marinade packed with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Toss in the thinly sliced flank steak, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors, which also helps tenderize the beef for a juicy bite.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add a splash of water and cover the pan to steam the green beans for another 3 to 4 minutes. This technique keeps the beans tender yet wonderfully crisp, and retains their bright green color to contrast the rich beef.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Remove the green beans and set them aside. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step releases those quintessential savory aromas that will elevate the entire dish.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Spread the marinated beef in an even layer in the hot skillet. Let it sear without moving for about 2 to 3 minutes; this helps develop a slight caramelized crust that adds incredible flavor. Then stir-fry the beef for another 2 minutes until fully cooked and slightly glossy from the marinade.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the green beans to the skillet and toss everything together for another minute. This final step allows the flavors to mingle, marrying the heat of the chili garlic sauce with the crisp freshness of the beans and the rich beef. Serve hot over bowls of fluffy jasmine rice, and prepare for pure satisfaction!
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect way to finish this dish is with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some sliced green onions. The seeds add a delicate nutty crunch, while the green onions offer a fresh, peppery burst that cuts through the richness. Both garnishes enhance the presentation and add that extra spark to every bite.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to expand, consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber salad or a light, tangy kimchi. These sides provide a cool contrast that balances the spice and savory flavors, making your meal even more exciting to the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also top it with a fried egg or drizzle a little extra chili garlic sauce for added heat. Presentation is all about making the dish irresistible and personal to your taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the dish taste even better the next day. Leftover stir-fry will keep well for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save your Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe for longer, freeze the cooked stir-fry (without rice) in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the beef tender.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the beef. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Reheat the jasmine rice separately or together, depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to slice against the grain to keep the beef tender.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the chili garlic sauce, but you can easily adjust it to your liking by adding more sauce or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the chili garlic sauce but keep the garlic for flavor.
Can I substitute the green beans with other vegetables?
Definitely! Broccoli florets, snow peas, or snap peas make excellent alternatives. They add different textures and flavors but keep the dish vibrant and fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as-is, since soy sauce typically contains gluten. However, you can swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What kind of rice is best for this stir-fry?
Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, which pairs beautifully with the saucy beef and crisp vegetables. However, basmati or even brown rice can work well depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving the Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe a try—it’s a stunning marriage of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and effortless preparation. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to inject some excitement into weeknight dinners with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. So grab your wok, get those fresh ingredients ready, and enjoy the delicious journey of this spicy garlic beef stir-fry experience!
Print
Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry featuring tender flank steak, crisp green beans, and a savory-sweet chili garlic sauce, served over fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal with a delightful Asian flair.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss until thoroughly coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Green Beans: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to brighten and soften. Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover the pan, and steam the beans for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove the green beans from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics and Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Arrange the marinated beef in a single layer in the skillet and let it sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop caramelization. Stir-fry the beef for another 2 minutes until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked green beans to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy garlic beef and green bean stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute green beans with broccoli florets or snow peas for a different vegetable texture and flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade or during cooking.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce quantity based on your heat preference.
