Spicy Beef Stir Fry

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

A quick and lively stir fry combining tender beef strips with bold chili and garlic flavors for a fun weeknight dinner. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, thinly sliced, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch until steak is evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated beef to the skillet 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 beef is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 cup sliced bell pepper and 1/2 cup sliced green onions, stir fry for 2 minutes until vegetables are tender but crisp.
  5. Step 5: Mix 2 tbsp water into the skillet to deglaze and create a light sauce, cooking for an additional minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, distributing the spicy beef stir fry evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spicy Beef 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, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef 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 Spicy Beef 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 Spicy Beef Stir Fry?

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.

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