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If you love a dish that’s packed with bold flavors and vibrant textures, this Hunan Beef Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight supper. With tender, thinly sliced flank steak seared to perfection and tossed with crisp-tender broccoli, celery, red bell peppers, and baby corn, every bite bursts with the lively, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that defines authentic Hunan cuisine. It’s an irresistible harmony of heat, savory goodness, and a touch of honeyed balance that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients form the backbone of a spectacular Hunan Beef Recipe—each one simple yet crucial, contributing distinct layers of flavor, color, and texture to the dish. Together, they create an exciting and satisfying meal that feels both fresh and comforting.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided): Needed to sear the beef and stir-fry the vegetables for that perfect caramelized finish.
- 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced): The star protein, thin slices ensure quick cooking and tenderness.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seared beef.
- 3 tbsp garlic (minced): Brings aromatic pungency that infuses the dish with a signature kick.
- 1 tbsp ginger (fresh, minced): Adds a bright, peppery warmth that lights up the flavor profile.
- 1 ½ cup broccoli (florets, cut into bite sized pieces): Offers a vibrant green crunch and nutrition.
- 1 cup celery (thinly sliced): Contributes a crisp texture and subtle herbal notes.
- 1 red bell pepper (cored, cut into bite sized pieces): Adds sweetness and a pop of color for visual appeal.
- 1 can baby corn (drained and halved): Provides a delightful sweet crunch that complements the spicy sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce, infusing the dish with richness.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect glossy consistency.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low sodium): Adds savory umami depth; avoid sweet or dark soy sauce for balance.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Brings a luscious, savory finish that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (sub rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar): Provides a bright acidity that lifts the dish.
- 2 tbsp honey (or sugar): Balances the heat and acidity with gentle sweetness.
- 2 tsp sambal olek (or chili garlic sauce, or sriracha): Brings the authentic spicy punch essential to Hunan flavors.
How to Make Hunan Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Hunan Sauce
Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients—beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, sambal olek, and cornstarch—in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until smooth and set it aside. This sauce is where all the magic begins, blending savory, spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that will coat the beef and veggies perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot pan in a single layer—if necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Stir fry until the beef starts to brown and develop crispy edges, locking in juicy flavor. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside, keeping those flavorful bits in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Adding the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir fry for about 5 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! These aromatics will elevate the entire dish with their bright, sharp, and slightly spicy aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Introduce the prepared broccoli, celery, red bell pepper, and baby corn to the pan. Stir fry these vibrant veggies for 2 to 3 minutes until they are halfway tender but still retain a satisfying crunch. This keeps the dish lively and texturally balanced, as the vegetables will continue cooking once the sauce is added.
Step 5: Combine with the Sauce
Pour the prepared Hunan sauce over the vegetables, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and to allow it to bubble up and thicken. This step usually takes 2 to 3 minutes, and you’ll see the sauce cling beautifully to the veggies with a luscious, glossy sheen.
Step 6: Finish with the Beef
Once the sauce thickens to perfection, turn off the heat and gently fold the seared beef back into the pan. Mix well to coat the meat evenly. This final step ensures every bite bursts with that signature Hunan beef sauce flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Hunan Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and a fresh finish that complement the richness of this dish. For an extra touch of heat, a light drizzle of additional chili sauce can amp up the spice level to your liking.
Side Dishes
Hunan Beef pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant basmati, which soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed or stir-fried greens such as bok choy or snow peas to balance the meal with a bit of earthiness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate the Hunan Beef over a bed of fluffy rice for a classic look, or get creative by serving it inside lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist. For dinner parties, consider offering it as part of a family-style spread with colorful vegetable stir-fries and homemade dumplings for a festive, vibrant table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hunan Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days or quick lunches. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Hunan Beef maintains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy a quick homemade dinner anytime.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the Hunan Beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid the microwave for best texture, but if needed, reheat in short bursts to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin as long as you slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The heat level depends on the amount of sambal olek or chili sauce you add. This recipe strikes a nice balance with a moderate kick, but feel free to adjust the spice to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The sauce and vegetables still deliver impressive flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to slice the flank steak?
Freeze the steak for about 20-30 minutes beforehand to firm it up, then slice thinly against the grain. This technique helps achieve tender slices that cook quickly without toughness.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can slice the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time. The sauce can also be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day, which saves time when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Hunan Beef Recipe is truly a treasure to keep in your culinary arsenal. From the first sear of the juicy flank steak to the bold, glossy sauce coating crisp, fresh vegetables, it’s a dish that makes you feel like a home cook superstar. Dive in, savor every spicy-sweet bite, and share it with friends and family—you’re going to love how effortlessly impressive this dish is!
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Hunan Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful and quick Hunan Beef stir-fry featuring tender flank steak and crisp vegetables in a spicy, savory sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can baby corn, drained and halved
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low sodium, no sweet or dark soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (or substitute with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
- 2 tsp sambal oelek (or chili garlic sauce or sriracha)
Other
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, sambal oelek, beef broth, and cornstarch. Stir well until cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet, frying pan, or wok over high heat. Add the sliced flank steak, along with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the beef until it starts to brown and develops crispy bits on the outside, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 5 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add broccoli florets, celery, red bell pepper, and halved baby corn to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are halfway cooked but still crisp, about 2-3 minutes. They will continue cooking in the sauce later.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the vegetables, stirring continuously. The sauce will bubble and thicken rapidly. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir the cooked beef back into the pan. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables in the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Hunan Beef.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef to achieve proper browning and a good texture.
- The vegetables should remain slightly crisp to contrast the tender beef and rich sauce.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce according to your preference.
- Use low sodium soy sauce if watching your salt intake.
- Flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor; other cuts can be used if thinly sliced.
