My family is crazy about Chinese food, they always request that I make beef and broccoli, crab rangoon and this savory and spicy Hunan style beef dish.
Whenever I go to my local Chinese restaurant, I always order the Hunan beef. The combination of steak and veggies in spicy sauce just can’t be beat! This homemade version is actually quite simple to make; add a side of steamed rice and watch the rave reviews come in!
What is Hunan beef?
Hunan beef comes from the Hunan province of China. That province is in the southern central region of China. The Hunan province is known for spicy and sour sauces. This region is also known for its vegetables and crops. Hunan beef is a flavorful way to showcase the hot and sour flavors of the Hunan region and to enjoy a hearty serving of veggies. You can control the heat in this dish by adjusting the amount of chili paste to your taste preferences.
How do you make Hunan beef?
This recipe starts with flank steak, which is browned in a pan. The meat is removed and a selection of colorful veggies goes into the pan. A simple sauce is made by mixing together soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth and chili paste. The sauce is poured over the meat and vegetables and simmered until thickened. Serve, and enjoy!
Tips for Hunan Beef
Cut all your vegetables into similar sized pieces so that they cook in the same amount of time. You can use your favorite chili paste for this recipe. I typically use sambal oelek, which can be found in the ethnic foods aisle of most grocery stores. You can also use hot chili oil, chili garlic sauce, or even sriracha. Cook the meat in one layer so that it browns nicely – if you overcrowd the pan, the meat will steam instead of brown. You will want to cook the steak in batches which is a little more work, but totally worth it. I love to add baby corn to my Asian food dishes. Baby corn is found in cans and jars, and can be found in the canned vegetable aisle or the ethnic foods aisle.
What is Hunan sauce made of?
Hunan sauce is made of beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili paste and cornstarch. These ingredients make a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the beef and vegetables. This recipe is written with 2 teaspoons of chili paste which makes for a moderately spicy sauce. If you like a spicier sauce, feel free to adjust up to 1 tablespoon of chili paste.
Beef Stir Fry variations
This recipe is flavorful and tasty; however, you can make some modifications if you choose.
Veggies: You can use other vegetables in this dish such as carrots, snow peas, water chestnuts, bok choy or mushrooms. Meat: Instead of beef, you can make this recipe with thinly sliced chicken or pork. Nuts: Try adding a handful of cashews or sliced almonds for added crunch.
Hunan beef is a tasty way to enjoy beef and fresh vegetables with a spicy kick!
More great Asian recipes
Orange Chicken Cashew Chicken Hot and Sour Soup Sesame Chicken Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
