This Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Onions and Chilies is a fiery, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender strips of beef, sweet red onions, and bold chili peppers in a sizzling, savory sauce. Inspired by Asian stir-fry traditions, this dish is quick to prepare and delivers a satisfying balance of heat, umami, and aromatic depth. The beef is seared until golden, then tossed with garlic, ginger, and chilies before being coated in a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. Whether served over steamed rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps, this stir-fry is a weeknight hero and a spice-lover’s dream.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1–2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
- ¼ cup water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This coating helps the beef sear beautifully and stay tender. - Sear the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (in batches if needed) and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the sliced onions for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the garlic, ginger, and sliced chilies. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. - Build the Sauce:
Return the beef to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili flakes, paprika, cumin, sugar (if using), and water or broth. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the beef and vegetables. - Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle in the sesame oil and give everything a final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more soy sauce for saltiness, chili flakes for heat, or a splash of lime juice for brightness. - Serve Hot:
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, scallions, or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or with a side of stir-fried greens.
Tips & Variations:
- Protein Swap: Try this with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and crunch.
- Make it saucier: Double the sauce ingredients and add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
This stir-fry is all about bold flavor and quick execution—perfect for when you want something exciting without spending hours in the kitchen. Want to turn this into a spicy beef noodle bowl or add a sweet pineapple twist? I’ve got ideas for that too 🔥🥢 Let’s keep the wok sizzling!