Chili Beef
A flavorful Chinese-style stir-fry featuring tender sliced beef, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauces, served over fluffy cooked rice. Perfect for those craving a spicy, hearty, and quick-to-make meal that combines bold flavors with satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced beef (round steak) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup young baby corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped hot pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ginger (pounded) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop all of the vegetables, wash and drain.
- Slice beef into thin slices with a sharp knife.
- Combine the sliced beef, pounded ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and flour in a bowl and marinate for 1 hour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, then remove from the pan.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Mix water or beef broth with oyster sauce and add to the pan.
- Return the beef to the pan and cook for a few more minutes until heated through and sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using fresh chili peppers instead of hot pepper. You can substitute the sliced beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein. If you want to add more vegetables, consider bell peppers or snap peas. Ensure the wok is hot before adding the beef for a great sear, similar to techniques used in Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chili Beef hot over the cooked rice, and consider garnishing with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. It pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad. For more delicious beef recipes, explore other Chinese recipes that highlight tender meat and vibrant vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Beef contains roughly 484 calories, with 11g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (256% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2679mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the sliced beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins will have different cooking requirements.
What if I don't have oyster sauce?
If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar. While it won't have the exact flavor, it will still enhance the dish nicely.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply stir-fry them together and serve over rice for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).