Craving a flavorful, sweet, and spicy stir-fry? Look no further than this Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-fry. With tender beef strips coated in a sticky, savory honey garlic sauce, complemented by stir-fried vegetables, this recipe brings bold flavors and easy preparation together in one fantastic dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stir-fry will hit the spot every time!
Ingredients: Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-fry
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (flank steak or sirloin works best)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for stir-frying)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions: Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-fry
1. Prepare the Beef:
Heat a pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add the beef strips and sear them until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Stir-fry the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until combined.
4. Combine:
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and become sticky.
5. Serve:
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Stir-fry:
- Customize the Spice Level: You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sriracha to the sauce.
- Protein Alternatives: You can swap the beef with chicken or tofu for a different twist on this dish.
- Extra Veggies: Add other stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for more variety and nutrients.
- Meal Prep: This stir-fry stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Sweet, Spicy, and Savory: The combination of honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the beef and veggies perfectly.
- Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from rice to noodles, and can be customized to suit your tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What type of beef should I use for this stir-fry?
Flank steak and sirloin are both excellent choices. They’re tender and easy to slice into strips, perfect for stir-frying. You can also use skirt steak or ribeye for a richer flavor.
2. Can I make this stir-fry without sesame oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil as a substitute for sesame oil. However, sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor that enhances the dish.
3. How can I adjust the sweetness in this recipe?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the honey by a tablespoon. For a less sweet version, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the beef and vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and add the sauce before serving.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, snow peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the stir-frying time to keep them crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts:
This Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-fry is the ultimate dish when you want something that’s packed with flavor but easy to prepare. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy! 😋