Garlic Fire Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require any complicated ingredients. The garlic and chili paste bring serious heat and depth, while the tender beef and crisp vegetables keep it balanced. It’s incredibly versatile too—I can serve it over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. I start by combining the thinly sliced beef with minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak in all the bold flavors.

2. When I’m ready to cook, I heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.

3. I add the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear for about 2–3 minutes until browned and slightly caramelized.

4. I stir in the sliced bell pepper and onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.

5. I give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes I add a little extra soy sauce or chili paste depending on my mood.

6. I serve it hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes marinating)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Variations

• I sometimes swap the sirloin for flank steak or ribeye if I want extra tenderness.

• For more vegetables, I add snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms to the pan.

• If I’m not in the mood for spice, I reduce the chili paste or replace it with a mild sweet chili sauce.

• A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice gives it a bright finish.

• I like serving it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or quick stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry.
It reheats well in the microwave too—about 1–2 minutes on medium power.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. I reduce the amount of chili paste or leave it out entirely if I want something milder.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

I usually go with sirloin because it’s lean and tender. Flank steak or ribeye also works beautifully—just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

Can I use pre-cut stir-fry beef?

Yes, it saves time and works just fine. I still make sure the pieces are thin and evenly sized for quick, even cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be—just use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and check the labels on your chili paste and oyster sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. I just cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps keep that nice sear.

Conclusion

This Garlic Fire Beef is the kind of dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s spicy, garlicky, savory, and totally satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for the family or just treating myself to a homemade stir-fry night, it always hits the spot. I love how quick it is to make—and even quicker to disappear from the plate.

Garlic Fire Beef

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Bold, spicy, and packed with flavor, this garlic fire beef stir fry is made with tender sirloin, chili paste, and crisp veggies for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (including marinating)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course, Dinner
• Method: Stir-Fried
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

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Instructions

Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, combine sliced beef with garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Sear the Beef:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but still tender.

Add Vegetables:
Stir in the sliced bell pepper and onion. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and beef is fully cooked.

Serve:
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste to control the heat level.

Protein Options: Substitute chicken, tofu, or shrimp if preferred.

Serving Suggestion: Best served over steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.