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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.

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

23 dried red chilies (optional for extra heat)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Green onions, sliced for garnish

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.