Introduction

Spicy Firecracker Beef is a delicious, mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances heat and flavor. This recipe features tender strips of beef combined with a spicy and tangy sauce that packs a punch. It’s quick to prepare and makes for an impressive meal, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Pair it with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that is sure to please.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Beef: 500g (about 1 lb) of thinly sliced flank steak
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, finely grated
Red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust for desired spiciness)
Soy sauce: ¼ cup
Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
Green onions: 2, sliced (for garnish)

Prep Time

The preparation time for Spicy Firecracker Beef is approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to quickly and efficiently get the ingredients ready for cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is about 10 minutes, meaning the total time from start to finish is around 25 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Enjoy this captivating dish whenever you crave something spicy and delicious!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Mince the garlic and ginger. Chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces and slice the green onions.

Marinate the Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, cornflour, and a bit of pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss well to coat. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.

Make the Sauce

In another small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, chili paste, and sugar to create the sauce for the dish.

Cooking the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly until fragrant. Then add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry until tender yet still crisp.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the pan with the bell peppers. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated in the sauce.

Finishing Touches

Stir in the chopped green onions and remove the pan from heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spicy firecracker beef over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Beef Selection

Choose cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the best results, as they remain tender when sliced thinly.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots to the dish for added color and nutrition.

Spice Level

Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your heat preference. For less heat, reduce the quantity or use a milder sauce.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat before serving.

Cook techniques

Stir-frying

Stir-frying involves quickly cooking ingredients over high heat in a small amount of oil. This technique helps retain the color, nutrients, and texture of the beef and vegetables.

Marination

Marinating beef for a period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. A mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and spices can elevate the taste significantly.

Searing

Searing beef before further cooking creates a caramelized crust, enhancing the overall flavor. This technique locks in the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender during cooking.

Deglazing

Deglazing involves adding liquid to the pan after searing the meat to lift the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This technique adds depth of flavor to sauces, enhancing the final dish.

Thickening Sauces

To achieve a desirable sauce consistency, techniques like reducing the sauce or adding cornstarch mixed with water can be employed. This creates a rich coating for the beef and vegetables.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, chicken, pork, or tofu can be substituted for beef, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.

How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili paste or pepper used in the recipe.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the beef and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.

What can I serve with firecracker beef?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.

How long does leftover firecracker beef last in the fridge?

Leftover firecracker beef can last about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Spicy Firecracker Beef dish is a perfect blend of bold flavors and tender meat, making it an exciting addition to your weeknight meals. The combination of spice and sweetness from the sauce elevates the dish, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and delicious dinner that can easily become a family favorite.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Honey Garlic Shrimp

This dish brings a sweet and savory flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes. The succulent shrimp cooked in a sticky honey garlic sauce makes for an irresistible meal.

Kung Pao Chicken

A classic stir-fry that features tender chicken and crunchy peanuts, tossed in a piquant sauce. Its balance of heat and sweetness complements the firecracker beef nicely.

Vegetable Stir Fry

A colorful mix of veggies sautéed with garlic and soy sauce offers a fresh side that enhances the overall meal experience. It adds texture and nutrients while keeping the dish light.

Asian Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad, with its crisp cucumbers and a tangy dressing, helps to balance the heat from the beef. It’s a perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.

Egg Fried Rice

A classic fried rice dish can absorb the flavors from the spicy beef, making it a harmonious side. With egg, peas, and carrots, it’s quick to make and fulfilling.

Spicy Kimchi Noodles

These flavorful noodles tossed with spicy kimchi bring a great kick to your meal. They pair wonderfully with the firecracker beef, adding an extra layer of flavor.