If you’re hunting for a meal that hits every delicious note—savory, spicy, garlicky, and crisp—look no further than Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice. This dish is pure weeknight gold: tender strips of beef, fresh green beans with just the right crunch, and a glossy, boldly flavored sauce that’s both fiery and sweet. Served over a pillowy bed of steamed white rice, it’s quick to come together yet feels like the kind of dinner you’d crave after a busy day. The best part? Everything comes together in about half an hour, making it a favorite go-to for even the busiest families.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simple list: every ingredient in this Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice plays a deliciously important role. The secret here is balance—savory, spicy, and a touch of sweet—all coming together for a stir-fry that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): Go for flank steak for tenderness; slicing against the grain keeps every bite melt-in-your-mouth.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Split between the marinade and sauce, this brings essential umami and saltiness.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a glossy finish and a savory, slightly sweet depth to your stir-fry sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a fragrant sweetness and a hint of complexity to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the richness with a pop of acidity.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon): Provides the signature spicy kick—adjust to taste if you love extra heat.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the flavors with delicate sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Ensures everything cooks up crisp and golden but never greasy.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps the beef caramelize and stay juicy while thickening the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives the stir-fry its unmistakable savory aroma and punch.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Brightens every bite with zingy warmth.
- Green beans (12 ounces, trimmed): For vibrant color, satisfying crunch, and a pop of green.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Add a gentle freshness and a subtle bite on top.
- White rice (3 cups, cooked): The perfect, fluffy base for sopping up every drop of the stir-fry sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For that final seasoning tweak—taste as you go!
How to Make Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice
Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Beef
Begin your Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice by tossing those beautifully thin steak slices with cornstarch, a tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of pepper in a medium bowl. Let the marinade work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This brief soak guarantees beef that’s packed with flavor and sears up wonderfully tender.
Step 2: Whisk the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (or chili garlic sauce), and brown sugar. Whisk well! This vibrant, balanced sauce is what transforms simple ingredients into the knockout Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice you’ll be craving again and again.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high. Add the trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re just-tender and starting to blister. Don’t skimp here—the slight charring brings out a natural sweetness. Transfer them to a plate and set aside; they’ll be back to join the party soon.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Spread the beef out in a single layer, working in batches if needed (crowding the pan makes it steam instead of sear!). Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until richly browned and cooked through. Set aside with the beans.
Step 5: Fragrant Base and Final Stir-Fry
Turn the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the beef and green beans to the pan, pour in the stir-fry sauce, and toss everything together for a final 2 to 3 minutes. You want every piece perfectly coated, glossy, and piping hot.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
Spoon your irresistible Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice over steamed white rice, and top with a shower of sliced green onions. Now the only thing left to do is grab your chopsticks and dig in!
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice
Garnishes
Elevate every serving with a scatter of fresh green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra crunch. For those that love a bit more drama, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil will make your Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and balanced on its own, but you can easily round out your meal with a crisp Asian cucumber salad, simple miso soup, or a side of steamed bok choy. These light accompaniments bring freshness, and their subtle flavors complement the boldness of the beef stir-fry beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at the table, try piling the stir-fry on a large platter, garnished with curls of green onion and vibrant chilies. For individual servings, fill small bowls with rice and nestle the Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice on top—an easy, inviting way to serve family style or for meal prep lunches that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the rice and stir-fry separate if possible, so the rice doesn’t get too soft. The flavors deepen and mingle beautifully as they sit!
Freezing
If you want to freeze extra portions, cool the stir-fry completely first. Place portions (beef, beans, and sauce) into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as you can. This preserves the texture and taste for up to two months—just leave out the rice and make a fresh batch when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, stirring often and adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed. The microwave works fine too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts until hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions before serving to revive the flavor of your Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and fast cooking, sirloin or even thinly sliced brisket can be swapped in. Just remember to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness in your Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice.
How do I make it extra spicy?
If you’re a true heat-seeker, double up on the sriracha or chili garlic sauce, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. A little diced fresh chili stirred in right at the end is another great way to boost the spice.
Can I swap green beans for another vegetable?
Absolutely! Broccoli florets, snap peas, or even thinly sliced bell peppers work great in this stir-fry. Just adjust the cooking time so the vegetables stay crisp-tender and fresh, ensuring your Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice doesn’t lose that craveable crunch.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and double-check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten free. With those simple switches, you’ll have a gluten free version of Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this with chicken or tofu?
Definitely! Substitute sliced chicken breast or firm tofu for the beef, keeping the same marinade for bold flavor. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you can enjoy this versatile dish no matter your protein preference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice enough for a dinner that’s easy to love and even easier to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors every single time. Give it a try, and soon you’ll have a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
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Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Green Beans & Rice is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with crunchy green beans in a spicy garlic sauce, served over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 12 ounces green beans, trimmed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: Whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and brown sugar.
- Stir-Fry: Cook green beans in oil until tender. Cook beef in batches until browned. Sauté garlic and ginger, then return beef and beans to the pan. Add sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- Swap green beans with broccoli or snap peas if preferred.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or more sriracha.
- Jasmine or brown rice can be used instead of white rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
