Description

Have you ever wanted a meal that’s bold, fiery, and so delicious it wakes up your taste buds, but still super quick to make? That’s exactly what a Spicy Beef Stir-Fry delivers! This dish is a sizzling mix of tender beef, crisp veggies, and a creamy, spicy coconut-lime sauce that’ll make you feel like a pro chef.

Ingredients

To make a Spicy Beef Stir-Fry for four, you’ll need these ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to make this dish pop:

Beef Top Sirloin Steak (1 lb, cut into thin strips): Lean and tender, it cooks fast and soaks up the marinade.
Fresh Gingerroot (1 tbsp, minced): Adds a warm, zesty bite.
Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Brings savory depth to the beef and veggies.
Pepper (¼ tsp): Enhances the spice factor.
Salt (¾ tsp, divided): Seasons the beef and sauce perfectly.
Light Coconut Milk (1 cup): Creates a creamy, slightly sweet base for the sauce.
Sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the heat and tanginess.
Sriracha Chili Sauce (1 tbsp): The spicy star that gives the dish its kick.
Lime Zest (½ tsp): Adds bright, citrusy flavor.
Lime Juice (2 tbsp): Brings tangy freshness to the sauce.
Canola Oil (2 tbsp, divided): Ideal for high-heat stir-frying.
Sweet Red Pepper (1 large, cut into thin strips): Adds sweetness and crunch.
Red Onion (½ medium, thinly sliced): Provides a mild, savory bite.
Jalapeño Pepper (1, seeded and thinly sliced): Boosts the heat (optional for milder tastes).
Fresh Baby Spinach (4 cups): Adds nutrition and wilts perfectly into the dish.
Green Onions (2, thinly sliced): A fresh, mild garnish.
Fresh Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Substitutions and Variations:

Beef: Swap for chicken breast, shrimp, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Coconut Milk: Use regular coconut milk for richer flavor or almond milk for a lighter, less creamy sauce.
Sriracha: Adjust the amount for less heat, or use chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
Veggies: Try broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms instead of or alongside the listed veggies.
Lime: Lemon juice and zest can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Jalapeño: Skip it for a milder dish, or add more for extra spice.
Gluten-Free: Ensure Sriracha and other ingredients are gluten-free (most are).

Why These Ingredients Matter: The lean beef and spinach pack protein and iron, while the veggies add fiber and vitamins. The coconut-lime sauce with Sriracha brings a bold, balanced flavor that’s healthy and indulgent at the same time.

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a large bowl, toss 1 lb beef strips with 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ tsp pepper, and ½ tsp salt.
Let the beef sit for 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Tip: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tender bites. Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing to make it easier.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup light coconut milk, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp Sriracha, ½ tsp lime zest, 2 tbsp lime juice, and ¼ tsp salt.
Stir until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust with more Sriracha for heat or sugar for sweetness.

Tip: Prep the sauce while the beef marinates to save time.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tbsp canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until no longer pink.
Remove the beef to a plate and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear instead of steaming the beef.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp canola oil.
Add 1 large sweet red pepper (sliced), ½ red onion (sliced), 1 jalapeño (sliced), and the remaining minced garlic clove.
Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender.

Tip: Keep the veggies moving in the pan to cook evenly and stay crunchy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Pour the coconut milk sauce into the skillet with the veggies.
Stir and heat through for about 1 minute.
Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach and the cooked beef. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts and the beef is warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
Sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.

Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.