Name: Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: Thinly sliced beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye); Fresh spinach; Garlic (minced); Chili garlic sauce; Soy sauce; Oyster sauce (optional); Brown sugar or honey; Sesame oil; Vegetable oil; Cornstarch (for coating the beef); Green onions (optional, for garnish); Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

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Chili garlic beef and spinach stir-fry is one of those quick, punchy meals I love to make when I want big flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a savory, spicy stir-fry with tender slices of beef, fresh spinach, and a bold chili garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Served over steamed rice or noodles, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this stir-fry hits all the right notes—savory, spicy, garlicky, and just a little sweet. It’s fast (I can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes), packed with protein and greens, and incredibly satisfying. I can adjust the heat to my taste, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. It’s one of those meals I come back to again and again when I need something bold and nourishing.

Ingredients

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

Thinly sliced beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye)
Fresh spinach
Garlic (minced)
Chili garlic sauce
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
Brown sugar or honey
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Cornstarch (for coating the beef)
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Directions

I start by tossing the sliced beef with cornstarch, a splash of soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. This helps the beef stay tender and get a nice sear.
I heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat, then add the beef and cook until browned, about 2–3 minutes. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I add more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
I stir in the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and brown sugar, letting it bubble and thicken slightly.
I add the spinach and stir until it just wilts, then return the beef to the pan and toss everything together until coated in sauce.
I serve it immediately over hot rice or noodles and sprinkle with chopped green onions if I have them.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I like to mix it up depending on what I have in my kitchen:

I swap spinach with kale, bok choy, or snow peas
I add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture
I make it spicier with crushed red pepper or more chili garlic sauce
I use ground beef or chicken instead of sliced steak when I’m in a hurry
I turn it into a noodle stir-fry by tossing everything with rice noodles or soba

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I usually do it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. It tastes just as bold and satisfying the next day, and the flavors deepen a bit more.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for this stir-fry?

I prefer flank steak or sirloin because they cook quickly and stay tender, but any thinly sliced cut will work well.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, I reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or mix it with a bit more soy sauce and sugar to mellow the heat.

Do I have to use spinach?

Not at all. I often substitute it with other leafy greens like chard, bok choy, or even arugula.

Is this stir-fry good for meal prep?

Definitely. I portion it into containers with rice and store it in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, although the spinach may lose a bit of texture. I freeze the stir-fry in a sealed container and reheat it straight from frozen or after thawing overnight.

Conclusion

Chili garlic beef and spinach stir-fry is one of my favorite ways to get a bold, delicious dinner on the table fast. It’s full of flavor, loaded with greens, and completely customizable. Whether I’m feeding the family or just myself, it’s always a hit—and a recipe I’ll keep in regular rotation.

Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry

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This chili garlic beef and spinach stir-fry is a bold, flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender slices of beef, garlicky heat, and fresh wilted spinach are tossed in a savory-sweet chili garlic sauce—perfect over rice or noodles. Quick, easy, and packed with protein and greens, it’s your new go-to weeknight dinner.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Thinly sliced beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye)
Fresh spinach
Garlic (minced)
Chili garlic sauce
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce (optional)
Brown sugar or honey
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Cornstarch (for coating the beef)
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

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Instructions

Toss sliced beef with cornstarch, a splash of soy sauce, and a little sesame oil.
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add beef and sear for 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Stir in chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Let it bubble slightly.
Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Return beef to the pan and toss to coat in sauce.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions if desired.