Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Water Chestnuts and Baby Corn in Spicy Hunan Sauce

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

Tender slices of beef sautéed with crunchy water chestnuts, baby corn, and green peppers, all coated in a vibrant, spicy Hunan-style sauce. This Chinese-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, water chestnuts, baby corn for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste) and stir-fry for 20 seconds to release aroma.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, 1/2 cup halved baby corn, and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper strips; stir-fry for another 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1/4 cup chicken broth; stir to combine and simmer for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Finish with 1 tsp sesame oil, toss gently, and garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Water Chestnuts and Baby Corn in Spicy Hunan Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Water Chestnuts and Baby Corn in Spicy Hunan Sauce?

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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sliced Beef with Water Chestnuts and Baby Corn in Spicy Hunan 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 Water Chestnuts and Baby Corn in Spicy Hunan 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 Water Chestnuts and Baby Corn in Spicy Hunan 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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