Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Spicy Hunan Chili Sauce

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

Tender beef slices cooked quickly with vibrant garlic, ginger, and fiery Hunan chili sauce for a bold, spicy stir-fry. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, minced fresh ginger 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Toss in 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until the beef just changes color and begins to brown on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp Hunan chili paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tsp brown sugar to the wok, stirring quickly to coat the beef and develop a glossy sauce.
  4. Step 4: Scatter 4 dried red chilies and 2 sliced green onions into the wok, stir-frying for an additional 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 tsp cornstarch slurry, stir continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Spicy Hunan Chili Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Spicy Hunan Chili 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 Sliced Beef with Spicy Hunan Chili 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 Sliced Beef with Spicy Hunan Chili 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 Sliced Beef with Spicy Hunan Chili Sauce?

Chinese 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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