Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and savory stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef cooked with fresh garlic, red chili, and a rich soy sauce glaze, perfect over rice or noodles. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 23 minutes blends garlic cloves, minced, small red chili, thinly sliced, tablespoons soy sauce 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 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced small red chili; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer, cooking undisturbed for 2 minutes to sear, then stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce is glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 2 chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Soy 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Soy 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Soy 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Soy Sauce?

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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