If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, the Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. This vibrant stir-fry blends tender slices of beef with crisp green beans and sweet red bell peppers, all coated in a luscious, garlicky, and spicy sauce. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s the perfect combination of heat, umami, and freshness that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress any dinner guest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, resulting in a stir-fry that’s colorful, aromatic, and impossible to resist.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing tender beef and slicing it thinly ensures quick cooking and melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed: They add crunchy texture and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips: Sweetness and bright color that complements the spicy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for that pungent, savory base flavor that makes the dish truly addictive.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger): Adds warmth and a subtle zing to balance the heat.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami depth and saltiness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Offers a touch of sweetness and thickness to the stir-fry sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the dish with a slight tangy kick.
- 1-2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha: Controls the heat level, so adjust it according to your spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): Balances out the spice with a gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or white rice of your choice): The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional): Drizzle for a final nutty aroma and extra depth of flavor.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain. This technique gives you tender, easy-to-chew pieces perfect for quick stir-frying. Season the slices lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s natural flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While prepping the beef, cook your jasmine or white rice according to package instructions—typically one part rice to two parts water. Once it’s fluffy and done, fluff it with a fork to keep the grains separate. If you want to add a little extra flavor, toss in a tablespoon of sesame oil and mix gently. This adds a subtle richness that complements the stir-fry wonderfully.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and red bell pepper strips, stir-frying them just long enough to become tender yet keep their crispness alive—about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove the vegetables and set them aside; you want them to retain their freshness without overcooking.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Spread the beef slices out in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to brown beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, then remove the beef and place it aside with your vegetables. This step locks in flavor and texture.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Now it’s time to build that irresistible sauce that defines this Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Rice Recipe. In the hot skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste or sriracha, and the optional brown sugar. Stir everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly and deepen in flavor.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef and vegetables back into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the flavorful sauce. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the whole dish is heated through and the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 7: Serve Over Rice
Plate the spicy garlic beef stir-fry over your bed of fluffy jasmine rice. If you like, garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro to add a final pop of color and texture. Now you’re ready to enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish from great to unforgettable. Toasted sesame seeds add a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma, while chopped green onions or fresh cilantro provide bright, fresh notes that balance the richness of the beef and sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed dumplings. If you’re looking to keep it simple, a bowl of miso soup or even some pickled vegetables will complement the flavors nicely without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the stir-fry family-style in a large, colorful wok or deep dish so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, laying the beef and veggies atop neatly molded rice using a small bowl or cup adds a restaurant-quality touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining good texture and flavor.
Freezing
While this stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 1 month. However, note that green beans might lose some crunch after thawing. To retain texture, consider freezing the beef and rice separately from the vegetables.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the beef from drying out. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the sauce’s consistency. Microwaving on medium power also works well when short on time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking, but other thinly sliced cuts like ribeye or skirt steak can work just as well.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much chili paste or sriracha you add. Start with one teaspoon if you prefer mild spice, then increase according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Is it necessary to cook the rice separately?
Cooking the rice separately ensures it stays fluffy and doesn’t get soggy from the sauce. It also allows you to flavor it with sesame oil if you wish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, zucchini, or carrots can be great additions, just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain their crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Rice Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings joy to any mealtime. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try, and soon it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner.
Print
Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry combining tender flank steak, crisp green beans, and sweet red bell pepper, all tossed in a spicy, garlicky sauce served over fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner with a perfect balance of heat and savory sweetness.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance the heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or white rice of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to package instructions, typically one part rice to two parts water. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and optionally toss with a tablespoon of sesame oil for added depth of flavor.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add green beans and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender yet crisp. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Add garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste or sriracha, and brown sugar if using. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef and vegetables to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook an additional 2 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy garlic beef stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro if desired for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Adjust the chili paste or sriracha to match your preferred spice level.
- If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro add extra flavor and presentation appeal.
- You can substitute green beans with snap peas or broccoli for variety.
- Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
