Hunan Beef With Peppers
Hunan Beef With Peppers features tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful peppers and green onions, delivering bold, spicy flavors perfect for a quick, satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine brown sugar, cornstarch, and soy sauce.
- Add beef; turn to coat.
- In a large skillet, heat oil and cook garlic, red pepper, and beef mixture over high heat, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes or until beef is browned.
- Stir in red and green peppers and green onions; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender beef, marinate the sirloin steak for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or use bell peppers instead. You can substitute the sirloin with flank steak for a different flavor profile. Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end can enhance the dish's aroma, similar to some Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hunan Beef With Peppers over steamed jasmine rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or an Asian-style salad. For a fusion twist, consider serving it with noodles, reminiscent of Beef Noodle Chop Suey, to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain the texture of the beef and vegetables. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through, but this may soften the veggies.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hunan Beef With Peppers contains roughly 588 calories, with 9g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1809mg per serving (79% 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 make this recipe with chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute the beef with chicken breast or thighs. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken cooks faster. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety, and enjoy a lighter version of this dish.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
For this recipe, both light and dark soy sauce can be used, but light soy sauce is recommended for a balanced flavor without overpowering the dish. If you're watching sodium intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper or include sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers during cooking. Another option is to drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish for an extra kick, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
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).