Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory? Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry is the dish you’ve been craving. This stir-fry features tender strips of beef, coated in a rich sauce made with honey, garlic, and a kick of spice, all tossed with vibrant vegetables. It’s a satisfying, one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or a flavorful weekend dinner.
The combination of honey and garlic creates a deliciously sticky sauce that coats the beef and vegetables. The heat from red pepper flakes or Sriracha adds a spicy kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey. Paired with crisp veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and onions, this dish is a flavor-packed meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry: A Sweet and Spicy Flavor Explosion
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, spicy garlic sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey, making for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and grated ginger. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the beef back to the skillet, followed by the sauce mixture. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the beef is well coated.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- If you like extra spice, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for added crunch.
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of honey to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef (flank steak or sirloin)
Tender cuts like flank steak or sirloin work best for this stir-fry. They cook quickly and stay juicy when thinly sliced against the grain.
Honey
Honey is the star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and a sticky consistency to the sauce. It perfectly balances the heat and savory flavors.
Garlic
Garlic is sautéed to create a fragrant base for the stir-fry. It adds richness and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce provides the salty umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey. You can use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Red pepper flakes or Sriracha
For heat, you can either use red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers add a burst of color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that balances the heat of the sauce. You can use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for extra vibrancy.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a great veggie to add to stir-fries. It adds texture and is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins. You can also swap it out for other vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
Onion
Onion provides sweetness and depth to the stir-fry. Yellow onions or red onions both work well in this dish.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil is used for cooking the beef and vegetables. It adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that enhances the dish’s overall profile.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect sticky consistency. It’s optional but helps create a glossy, flavorful coating for the beef.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the beef and vegetables, ensuring the dish is flavorful and balanced.
Directions
- Prepare the beef:
Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes or Sriracha (depending on your spice preference). If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce mixture. Set aside. - Cook the beef:
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. - Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add the onion, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and have a little char. - Combine the beef and sauce:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. - Serve:
Serve the Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation time is around 10 minutes, with cooking time of about 15-20 minutes. The total time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
Equipment Needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
The Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry is highly customizable, so feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes.
Add More Vegetables
In addition to broccoli and bell peppers, you can add other vegetables like snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms. The more veggies, the healthier the dish!
Swap the Beef for Chicken
If you prefer chicken, you can substitute chicken breast or chicken thighs for the beef. The cooking method will be the same.
Make it Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture and cube it before cooking.
Adjust the Spice Level
To make it milder, use less Sriracha or red pepper flakes. You can also skip the heat entirely for a sweeter, milder dish.
Make it Gluten-Free
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to double-check that the other ingredients, like cornstarch, are gluten-free as well.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 plate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use High Heat for Stir-Frying
To get that perfect sear and flavor, make sure your skillet or wok is preheated over medium-high heat before adding the beef. Stir-fry quickly to avoid overcooking the meat.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
For the best texture, keep the vegetables tender-crisp. Overcooking them will cause them to lose their vibrant color and crunch.
Add Fresh Herbs
If you want to add a fresh note to the dish, garnish with fresh cilantro, basil, or mint before serving. These herbs will add a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy flavors.
Double the Sauce for Extra Flavor
If you love extra sauce, double the ingredients for the sauce so that there’s plenty to coat the rice or noodles. You can always use leftovers as a dipping sauce for other meals!
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this stir-fry?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure it’s thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and stir-fry when ready to cook.
What can I serve with Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or even quinoa. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables for extra crunch.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the beef and vegetables in a slow cooker. Sauté the garlic and sauce ingredients on the stove, then combine with the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
Spicy Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that’s sure to satisfy. Quick to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your liking, this stir-fry is a go-to for busy nights or whenever you need a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. Try it today and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
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