Hunan Beef is a spicy stir-fry dish featuring tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stir-fry
Cuisine:Chinese
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for stir-frying
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2–4 dried red chilies, optional, adjusted to taste
3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-size strips. In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated and let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. In a separate bowl, stir cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Set aside.
Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat. Add half the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the wok. Add dried chilies and stir for 15–20 seconds. Add onion, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Add garlic, ginger, and green onions, stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
Add the Hunan Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and bring to a gentle bubble. Return beef and juices to the pan. Stir in cornstarch slurry gradually while tossing ingredients. Cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Serve: Remove from heat, drizzle with remaining sesame oil, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Notes
Slice against the grain for tenderness.
Use high heat for a flavorful sear.
Cook in batches to avoid steaming.
Prepare all ingredients before starting to stir-fry.