Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon and Chili
A bold and slightly bitter stir-fry combining tender beef slices with crisp bitter melon and a spicy chili kick, perfect for a quick Asian-inspired dinner. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs beef sirloin, bitter melon, red chili pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced beef sirloin
- 1 medium, sliced into thin half-moons bitter melon
- 1 small, thinly sliced red chili pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 stalks, chopped green onions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce to lightly coat; set aside for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small thinly sliced red chili pepper; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the edges are just browned but the beef is still tender.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced bitter melon and continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the melon softens slightly but retains some crunch.
- Step 5: Mix 2 tbsp water, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Pour this sauce into the wok and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss to combine. Remove from heat, garnish with 2 chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon and Chili?
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 beef sirloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon and Chili?
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 Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon and Chili 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 Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon and Chili?
Asian 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.
