Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Green Beans

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

A quick stir-fry featuring tender beef strips with crisp green beans in a spicy garlic sauce. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs sirloin steak, soy sauce, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 8 oz thinly sliced sirloin steak with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked; remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add 1 cup halved green beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the green beans, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pan and mix in 1 tsp brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and beans.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions over the dish, toss briefly, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Green Beans take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Green Beans?

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 sirloin steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Green Beans?

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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Green Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Green Beans?

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.

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