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.
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
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.
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.
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/hunan-beef/