Name: Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (or sambal oelek); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 tsp sesame oil; 5 oz fresh baby spinach; 1–2 tbsp neutral cooking oil (canola or vegetable); 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish); 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry is one of my favorite quick weeknight meals. It’s loaded with bold flavor from garlic, chili, and soy sauce, while the beef stays tender and the spinach adds freshness and nutrition. I love that it comes together in just minutes, making it perfect when I want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s fast, healthy, and satisfying. The stir-fry sauce is spicy, garlicky, and slightly savory-sweet, which pairs perfectly with thin slices of beef. I also love that spinach cooks down so quickly, adding nutrients without much effort. It’s one of those meals I can put together even on the busiest days, and it tastes just as good as takeout. Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry

Ingredients

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

Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
Soy sauce
Chili garlic sauce (or sambal oelek)
Fresh garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Brown sugar or honey
Rice vinegar or lime juice
Sesame oil
Fresh spinach (baby spinach works best)
Neutral cooking oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
Green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Directions

I whisk together soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil to make the stir-fry sauce.
I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
I add the beef in a single layer and cook quickly until browned but still tender, then remove it from the pan.
In the same pan, I add more garlic if desired, then toss in the spinach and cook until just wilted.
I return the beef to the pan, pour in the stir-fry sauce, and toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until coated and heated through.
I serve it hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if I want extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in around 20 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap spinach for bok choy, kale, or broccoli. I’ve also used chicken or shrimp instead of beef, and it works just as well with the same sauce. If I want extra heat, I add more chili garlic sauce or sliced fresh chilies. For a slightly sweeter version, I increase the honey or brown sugar.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I quickly warm it in a skillet over medium heat so the beef doesn’t overcook. The microwave works too, but I find the beef stays more tender when reheated on the stove. Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry

FAQs

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

I usually use flank steak or sirloin because they’re tender when sliced thin against the grain.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, I reduce the chili garlic sauce and add more soy sauce or a splash of broth for a milder flavor.

Can I use frozen spinach?

I prefer fresh spinach, but frozen works if I thaw and drain it well before adding it to the stir-fry.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I often slice the beef and mix the sauce earlier in the day, then cook everything fresh when I’m ready to eat.

What should I serve with this stir-fry?

I usually serve it over steamed rice, but noodles or even cauliflower rice work really well too.

Conclusion

Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that I love making on busy weeknights. The beef is tender, the spinach adds freshness, and the sauce ties everything together with the perfect balance of spice, garlic, and sweetness. It’s a go-to recipe for when I want a satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes.