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Sizzling Chili Beef Stir-Fry

Sizzling Chili Beef Stir-Fry

Sizzling Chili Beef Stir-Fry is a bold, zesty, and quick dinner dish featuring tender thinly sliced beef strips stir-fried with fresh chilies, crunchy bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a balanced combination of heat, savoriness, and fresh textures, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a fuss-free dinner to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 8 oz sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 12 fresh red or green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 2 spring onions, chopped

Finishing Touch

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking and finishing)
  • 1 tbsp oil for stir-frying (vegetable or peanut oil recommended)

Optional Additions

  • Cashews or peanuts for crunch
  • Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra veggies
  • Honey to balance spice (if desired)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Marinade: Slice the beef thinly against the grain. Combine beef slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes to lock in moisture and flavor.
  2. Chop the Veggies and Aromatics: While beef marinates, dice the bell peppers, slice the fresh chilies, and mince garlic and ginger. Chop spring onions for garnish and set all aside.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add oil and sear the marinated beef quickly until browned on all sides. Remove beef from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, chilies, and bell peppers. Stir-fry briskly for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant and still slightly crisp.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together with a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil. Cook for another minute to blend flavors. Remove from heat.

Notes

  • Always preheat your pan to ensure a proper sear and flavor locking.
  • Prep all ingredients beforehand to keep the cooking quick and smooth.
  • Thinly slicing beef ensures tenderness and prevents rubbery texture.
  • Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
  • Adjust chili quantity or add honey to balance the heat according to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili beef stir-fry, quick dinner, spicy stir-fry, beef recipe, Asian stir-fry, weeknight meal