Honey Beef
A quick, flavorful honey beef stir-fry with vibrant peppers and spinach, perfect for weeknights and those craving a savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sliced beef, red pepper, spinach, green onions, and parsnip in 2 teaspoons of hot oil, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until the meat is browned.
- Remove the mixture from the skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil and cook garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
- In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Return the meat and vegetable mixture to the skillet.
- Add the soy sauce mixture and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tender beef, slice against the grain and marinate in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have parsnips, carrots or sweet potatoes work as good substitutes. For added flavor, consider using a splash of sesame oil. This dish can be customized with other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli, similar to other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Honey Beef over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. This dish also works well with a simple green salad or as part of a larger spread including fried beef with spring onion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Beef contains roughly 317 calories, with 6g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2098mg per serving (91% 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 lean beef round steak with chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken should be cooked through and tofu should be golden brown.
What can I do if I don't have fresh ginger?
If fresh ginger is unavailable, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. Keep in mind that ground ginger is more concentrated, so start with less and adjust to taste.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes when cooking the garlic and ginger. For a more intense heat, consider using sriracha in the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
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).