Best Hunan Beef Recipe

“This easy Hunan Beef recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with fresh vegetables in a bold, spicy sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s better than takeout! Learn how to make this authentic Chinese-inspired dish at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Serve with rice for a quick and flavorful meal.“

This Hunan Beef is a quick, flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a bold, spicy sauce. Perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, it’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
• 1 cup canned baby corn, drained and halved
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoons chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the sliced flank steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
   Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same pan, add the broccoli, celery, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
   Add the baby corn and minced garlic, and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently.
3. Combine Beef and Vegetables:
   Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine everything evenly.
4. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili paste, and cornstarch.
   Pour the sauce into the pan and stir well to coat the beef and vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.
5. Serve:
   Serve hot over steamed rice, and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Enjoy!

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Tips

• Slice the Beef Thinly: Cutting the flank steak against the grain into thin strips ensures tender meat that cooks quickly.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the beef to achieve a nice sear.
• Adjust the Spice: Add more or less chili paste depending on your desired spice level.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Substitute flank steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Sweeter Sauce: Add an extra teaspoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye are great alternatives to flank steak.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the pan and cook for another minute.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then stir-fry just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice or stir-fried zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
• Side Dishes: Add a side of egg rolls or hot and sour soup for a complete Chinese-inspired dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
• Bold Flavors: A delicious balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste preferences with different proteins and veggies.
• Better than Takeout: Enjoy a healthier, homemade version of a Chinese restaurant favorite!