Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Chili-Garlic Sauce
A bold and savory beef stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef tossed in a vibrant chili-garlic sauce, perfect for an energizing meal. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry ready in about 27 minutes blends thinly sliced beef sirloin, soy sauce, cornstarch into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 3 stalks, chopped green onions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until well coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring until browned on one side, then stir and cook another 2 minutes until just cooked through; remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet along with 3 chopped green onions, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water; toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Chili-Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Chili-Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Chili-Garlic Sauce?
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 Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Chili-Garlic Sauce 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 Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Chili-Garlic Sauce?
Asian Fusion stir fry 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.
