Minute Firecracker Beef

$- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 2 green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Flank steak is key for this dish. It cooks quickly and stays tender. The sliced bell peppers add color and crunch. Garlic and ginger bring a warm, earthy taste that lifts the dish. - ¼ cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste Soy sauce adds a rich umami flavor. Hoisin sauce offers a sweet touch. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Adjust these spices to suit your taste! - Skillet or wok - Mixing bowl - Knife and cutting board A good skillet or wok helps cook everything evenly. Use a mixing bowl for marinating the beef. A sharp knife and cutting board make slicing easy and safe. With these tools, you'll have a smooth cooking experience! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 1 pound of flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain. This helps make the beef tender. In a mixing bowl, add the sliced beef, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to coat the beef evenly. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This short marinating time helps the beef absorb the flavors and gives it a nice texture. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring. This helps form a nice crust. After that, flip the beef and cook for another 2 minutes. It should be browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell great. Then, add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 2 chopped green onions. Stir-fry these veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften a bit. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the beef back into the skillet with the veggies. Then, pour in ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the beef to finish cooking and the sauce to heat up and thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper. Serve the dish hot over cooked rice or noodles, and enjoy! How can you adjust the spiciness levels? You can control heat by changing the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with less if you prefer mild. Add a pinch more if you like it spicy. Taste as you go. This way, you find the right balance for your taste buds. What about additional seasoning options? Try adding a splash of lime juice for brightness. You can also use a dash of sesame seeds for crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a fresh note. Experiment with what you have on hand! What are the best practices for stir-frying? First, ensure your skillet or wok is very hot. This helps to sear the meat quickly. Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Keep the beef in a single layer for better browning. How can you avoid overcooking the beef? Remove the beef from heat while slightly undercooked. It will continue to cook in the skillet with the sauce. This keeps it tender and juicy. Always check for doneness by cutting a piece. What are some suggestions for garnishing? Top your dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. You can also add slices of fresh chili for color. A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes the dish pop visually. What are good serving suggestions? Serve Minute Firecracker Beef over fluffy rice or noodles. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also add a side of steamed veggies for balance. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal. Pro Tips Slice Against the Grain: Ensure you slice the flank steak against the grain for tender pieces that are easier to chew. Marinate for Flavor: Allow the beef to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spice. Serve with Fresh Garnish: Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch. {{image_2}} You can switch beef for chicken or tofu. Chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy. Use the same amount, about 1 pound. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Tofu needs a little longer to get crispy, around 8-10 minutes. Make sure to press the tofu to remove extra water before cooking. If you want a vegetarian dish, use mushrooms instead of beef. Portobello or shiitake mushrooms offer great flavor. You can also add other veggies like zucchini or snap peas. This gives your meal more color and taste. Cook the mushrooms for about 5 minutes until soft. Feel free to change the sauces to fit your taste. You can try teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor. Adding lime juice can make it tangier. Mix in some chili garlic sauce for extra heat. Experimenting with different sauces makes this dish fun and unique! To keep your Minute Firecracker Beef fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to avoid spills and keep flavors intact. Let the beef cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. You can freeze Minute Firecracker Beef for later use. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave space for expansion. For best taste, consume within three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat until hot. Stir often to heat evenly. Minute Firecracker Beef lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a strange color, discard it. Eating spoiled food can make you sick, so it's better to be safe. Minute Firecracker Beef can be quite spicy. The heat comes from the red pepper flakes. If you want less heat, adjust the amount you use. Start with half a teaspoon. You can always add more later. You can also remove the red pepper flakes altogether. This way, you can enjoy the dish without the spice. Yes, you can prepare Minute Firecracker Beef ahead of time. Marinate the beef and chop the veggies in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just stir-fry everything together. The dish will taste fresh and delicious. Reheating is easy too. Just warm it in a skillet for a few minutes until hot. Minute Firecracker Beef pairs well with several side dishes: - Cooked white or brown rice - Stir-fried noodles - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A fresh salad with a light dressing For a complete meal, add a simple soup. Hot and sour soup or egg drop soup works great. Enjoy your tasty, colorful plate! To make Minute Firecracker Beef, you need fresh ingredients and simple tools. Marinate the beef well for flavor. Sear it for that perfect crust. Stir-fry the veggies and mix everything together for a quick meal. Remember, you can swap proteins or tweak the sauce to fit your taste. In the end, this dish is fun to make and enjoy. It suits any skill level in the kitchen. With practice, it can become a family favorite!$

Minute Firecracker Beef

A quick and spicy beef stir-fry with colorful bell peppers and a flavorful sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 each red bell pepper, sliced
1 each yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 each green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Start by marinating the beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes undisturbed to form a crust.
Flip the beef and cook for another 2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, then add the sliced bell peppers and green onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened.
Add the beef back to the skillet along with the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the sauce is heated and thickened.
Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles, and garnish with additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level.

Keyword beef, quick meal, Spicy, stir-fry