Three Flavorful Asian Stir-Fried Beef Dishes
Each of these recipes offers a unique balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness—perfect for a satisfying meal!
1. Kung Pao Beef
A bold, spicy, and nutty stir-fry with tender beef and crunchy peanuts.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 8-10 dried red chilies
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ yellow onion, sliced
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts
• 2 green onions, chopped
For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef: Combine beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let sit for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Sear beef for 1-2 minutes per side, then set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Aromatics: Add remaining oil, dried chilies, garlic, ginger, onion, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine Everything: Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Finish & Serve: Stir in peanuts and green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.
2. Crispy Chilli Beef
Crispy, golden-brown beef coated in a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cornstarch
• Oil for frying
For the Marinade:
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tbsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
For the Stir-Fry:
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red chili, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• ½ white onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef: Mix beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Coat & Fry: Dredge beef in cornstarch. Fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. Stir-Fry: In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, chili, onion, and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, and rice vinegar. Pour into the pan.
5. Combine & Serve: Return crispy beef to the pan and toss to coat. Serve over rice or noodles.
3. Mongolian Beef
A rich, savory dish with tender beef in a slightly sweet garlic-ginger sauce.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
• 2 lbs flank or sirloin steak, sliced
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp mirin
For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp minced ginger
Other Ingredients:
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• Green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef: Mix all marinade ingredients, coat the beef, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a wok. Fry beef in batches until golden brown (2-3 minutes per batch). Set aside.
4. Stir-Fry: In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
5. Combine & Serve: Return beef to the pan and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy these delicious stir-fried beef dishes with steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-quality meal at home!