Name: Hunan Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoons chili paste or Hunan pepper paste; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional for thickening); 1/4 cup water or beef broth; 2-3 dried red chilies (optional for extra heat); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Green onions, sliced for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings a satisfying balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect dish for anyone who enjoys bold and zesty cuisine. The beef is cooked to perfection, tender yet full of flavor, while the sauce offers an irresistible combination of heat and richness. The mix of vegetables adds a wonderful crunch and freshness to each bite, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. If you’re a fan of spicy dishes, Hunan Beef will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons chili paste or Hunan pepper paste
2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
1/4 cup water or beef broth
2-3 dried red chilies (optional for extra heat)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Green onions, sliced for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and cornstarch (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry until it is browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Add garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to release the aromas.
Return the beef to the pan and add the sauce mixture. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Add water or beef broth to thin out the sauce, if needed. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and toss to combine.
Serve the Hunan Beef hot, garnished with green onions.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Chicken or Pork Hunan: Swap the beef for chicken or pork for a variation of this dish.
Vegetarian Hunan: For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with tofu or seitan and add more vegetables like mushrooms or baby corn.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the dried red chilies and chili paste. Add a touch of honey for sweetness instead of sugar.
Extra Veggies: You can include additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of beef for this recipe?

You can use any tender cut of beef such as sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye. Just ensure it’s sliced thinly for a quick stir-fry.

2. How spicy is Hunan Beef?

Hunan Beef can be quite spicy, especially if you use chili paste and dried red chilies. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by reducing or omitting these ingredients.

3. Can I make this dish without soy sauce?

Yes, you can use tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.

4. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to the sauce while cooking. Let it simmer until thickened.

5. Can I make Hunan Beef ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Stir-fry everything together when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I substitute rice vinegar with another vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute for rice vinegar, but the flavor might be slightly different.

7. Can I use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?

You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil for stir-frying.

8. What other vegetables can I add to Hunan Beef?

You can add vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to the dish for added texture and flavor.

9. Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce, this dish can be made gluten-free.

10. Can I make this dish less salty?

If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the saltiness of the dish.

Conclusion

Hunan Beef is a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for those who love bold, zesty flavors. With tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a special meal, this dish will leave you craving more. Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, and enjoy this vibrant, delicious dish!

Hunan Beef

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Hunan Beef is a bold, flavorful Chinese dish that combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory, spicy sauce. With its combination of heat, savory richness, and a vibrant vegetable medley, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for spice lovers.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Chinese

Instructions

Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and cornstarch (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies (if using) to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to coat. Add water or broth to thin out the sauce as needed. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Finish the Dish: Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and toss everything together. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of Hunan Beef.
Spicy Version: Add extra dried chilies or fresh chili peppers to increase the spice level.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish.