Hunan-Style Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp green beans in a bold, spicy Hunan sauce that balances heat and umami. This Chinese-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs flank steak, green beans, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate 10 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Blanch 1 lb trimmed green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, then drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until hot and shimmering, then add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp doubanjiang; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Toss in the blanched green beans along with 1 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp soy sauce; stir-fry for another 2 minutes until everything is coated with the spicy sauce.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 sliced scallions and stir briefly before serving immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hunan-Style Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hunan-Style Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hunan-Style Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hunan-Style Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hunan-Style Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry?

Chinese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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