Spicy Beef Steak
Ingredients:
For the Beef
- 500g (1 lb) beef steak (flank, sirloin, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra tenderness and crisp edges)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil (for searing)
For the Marinade / Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (dark or regular)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for flavor)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (add for extra spiciness, if desired)
For Garnish:
- 1–2 red chili peppers (sliced)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How to Prepare Spicy Beef Steak
1. Marinate the Beef:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl
-Stir in the thinly sliced beef, ensuring it's well coated.
- Let it marinate for *at least 30 minutes* (or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor).
2. Optional: Dust with Cornstarch
- Gently coat the marinated beef with cornstarch just before cooking.
This gives it a crispy edge when seared.
3. Sear the Beef:
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef in batches to avoid crowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and caramelized.
- Remove and repeat if needed.
4. Add Sauce & Finish:
- Pour any leftover marinade into the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the beef to the pan and toss well to coat with the sauce.
5. Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Add sliced chili peppers on top for a spicy kick
Serve with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Kimchi or pickled cucumbers for a Korean twist
- Alternatively, serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice.
In-Depth Info on Spicy Beef Steak
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef:
To get that perfect texture — tender, juicy, and slightly crispy on the edges — go for:
- Flank steak: (great for slicing thin and fast cooking)
- Sirloin: (tender and flavorful)
- Ribeye: (rich and juicy, but a little fattier)
Tip: Freeze the beef for 30 minutes before slicing — this makes it easier to cut thin slices across the grain.
The Flavor Combo – Sauce Breakdown:
This flavorful spicy beef sauce excites every taste bud:
- Soy sauce = salt & umami
- Oyster/hoisin sauce= sweet & savory depth
- Honey or brown sugar = sweetness to balance the spice
- Rice vinegar/lime= acidity for freshness
- Gochujang or chili paste = heat and Korean-style flavor
- Garlic & ginger= warmth and aroma
- Sesame oil = nutty finish
You can adjust the spiciness by:
- Reducing chili paste or flakes
- Using sweet chili sauce instead of gochujang
- Adding fresh chili slices only at the end (for visual heat)
Variations:
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or mushrooms can be stir-fried with the beef.- Make it Korean-style bulgogi: Add grated pear or apple to the marinade for a subtle sweetness.
- Make it Chinese-style: Add a splash of Shaoxing wine or Chinese five-spice.
- Low-carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
Storage / Meal Prep:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked beef in sauce for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a skillet for best texture (microwaving is fine but can make the beef less crispy).
You can also portion it into containers with rice and steamed broccoli for a week's worth of lunches.
Nutrition (Estimate per serving, without rice):*
- Calories: ~300–400 kcal
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbs: 10–15g (mostly from the sauce)
- Fat: 15–20g (depends on cut of beef and oil used)
Perfect Pairings:
- Drink: Jasmine tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a chilled Korean rice drink
- Side: Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or Asian slaw
- Garnish: Lime wedges, chopped peanuts, or cilantro for a Thai-inspired twist