Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

I’m very happy to share one of my favorite recipes with you today: Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry. Originating from Asian cuisine, this dish combines tender beef with crisp green beans, all bathed in a spicy sauce that packs a flavorful punch.

What makes this dish unique is its simplicity and the use of a wok pan, which allows for high-heat, quick cooking while preserving the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients.

You’ll love this recipe for its rich, satisfying taste, and for how it turns basic ingredients into something special with the help of the wok pan.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb. beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp. hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp. chili garlic sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. corn starch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp. water (optional, for sauce adjustment)

Substitutions and Variations:

• Beef: You can substitute beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Green Beans: Broccoli or sugar snap peas can be used as a substitute.
• Soy Sauce: Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.

Preparation Steps

First, let’s prepare the ingredients:

1. Thinly slice 1 lb. of beef sirloin across the grain for tenderness.
2. Trim 2 cups of green beans and set them aside.
3. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1 inch of ginger.
4. Prepare the sauces by mixing 2 tbsp. soy sauce, 1 tbsp. oyster sauce, 1 tbsp. hoisin sauce, and 1 tbsp. chili garlic sauce in a small bowl.
5. Chop 1 green onion for garnish.

Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.

Prepping the Wok

1. Ensure your wok is clean and dry.
2. Heat the wok over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles upon contact.
3. Add 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, and swirl it around to coat the entire surface.

How to Ready Your Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry

Follow these straightforward steps for cooking:

1. Step 1: Add the sliced beef to the hot wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef starts to brown. Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same wok, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Toss in the green beans and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp.
4. Step 4: Return the beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Add 1 tsp. corn starch mixed with 2 tbsp. water if you prefer a thicker sauce.
6. Step 6: Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and green beans and is heated through evenly.
7. Step 7: Drizzle 1 tsp. sesame oil on top and give a final stir.
8. Step 8: Remove the wok from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Essential Note: Keep your wok on high heat throughout cooking to ensure all ingredients cook quickly and don’t steam.

See also: Crispy Chinese Lemon Shrimp

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry

To ensure perfect results every time, keep these tips in mind:

• High Heat: Always use high heat to maintain a quick cooking process, preserving the texture and flavor of each ingredient.
• Prep Everything First: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Wok cooking is fast, and there’s no time for chopping once you begin.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the wok. If necessary, stir-fry in batches to maintain high heat.
• Common Mistakes:
• Not Preheating Wok: Always preheat your wok to high before adding oil.
• Overcooking Vegetables: Aim for crisp-tender vegetables to retain their texture and nutrition.

What to Serving with Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry

Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry pairs well with:

• Steamed Rice: Classic and simple to complement the bold flavors.
• Noodles: Mix with cooked noodles for an easy variation.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the spiciness of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storing: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a hot wok or pan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave if possible to preserve texture.

The Bottom Lines

Making Spicy Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry is quick and rewarding. The recipe is straightforward and delivers robust flavors with minimal effort.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy the satisfying combination of spicy, savory, and crisp elements.

Feel free to share your experiences and any tweaks you made to the recipe!

For more delicious wok pan recipes, stay connected with Kit Yum.

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