Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry

This Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry is a bold, spicy, and savory dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner. I love how the tender strips of beef are coated in a rich soy-based sauce, balanced perfectly with fresh vegetables and a touch of heat. Served over rice or noodles, it’s a flavorful one-pan meal I can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this stir-fry because it’s packed with flavor and doesn’t require complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The chili and garlic bring a kick that wakes up the taste buds, while the spinach adds a fresh, earthy note that balances the richness of the beef. It’s a go-to for busy nights when I want something comforting, healthy, and full of texture without spending hours in the kitchen.

ingredients

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

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

directions

1. I start by mixing the sauce: in a small bowl, I combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. I stir it well and set it aside for later.

2. In a large skillet or wok, I heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. I add the sliced beef, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until browned. I remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

3. I add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet, then stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. I cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic burn.

4. I toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp.

5. I return the cooked beef to the pan and pour the sauce mixture over everything. I stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables.

6. Finally, I add the spinach and stir just until it wilts—about 1–2 minutes.

7. I serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: ~25 minutes

• Yields: 4 servings

Variations

When I want a vegetarian version, I substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce. For extra crunch and nutrition, I sometimes add vegetables like snap peas, shredded carrots, or broccoli florets. If I want more sauce, I double the soy sauce mixture and add a splash of beef or veggie broth.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave, but I stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.

FAQs

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

I usually use sirloin because it’s tender and quick-cooking, but flank steak or ribeye works great too if sliced thinly across the grain.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prep the sauce and slice the veggies and meat ahead of time. I store them separately in the fridge and cook everything fresh when I’m ready to eat.

How do I keep the beef tender?

I slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking it. Stir-frying quickly over high heat helps seal in the juices.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat. I adjust the red pepper flakes to taste or skip them if I want it milder.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but I thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture first so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

Conclusion

Chili Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry is one of my favorite quick meals when I want something spicy, savory, and full of fresh ingredients. It’s flexible, fast, and so satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or when I need a flavorful dish with minimal cleanup. Every bite has the perfect balance of heat, richness, and crunch.