Mediterranean Chili Garlic Beef & Spinach Stir-Fry
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This quick and flavorful stir-fry combines tender beef with vibrant Mediterranean vegetables and a garlicky, slightly spicy sauce. Spinach adds freshness, while bell pepper and onion give color and crunch. It’s a simple, healthy dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 cups fresh spinach
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
Pat the beef slices dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce Slurry:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the onion and bell pepper, stir-frying for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Add Spinach & Sauce:
Return the beef to the pan. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
Finish & Serve:
Add the spinach and toss until just wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips
Thin Slices Matter:
Slice the beef thinly across the grain for the most tender results. If the beef is slightly frozen, it’s easier to slice thinly.
High Heat Cooking:
Stir-frying over medium-high to high heat helps sear the beef quickly and keeps vegetables crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Garlic & Spice:
Mince the garlic finely and adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Toasting the flakes briefly in oil enhances their flavor.
Sauce Thickness:
The cornstarch slurry is key for a glossy, thick sauce. Mix it well before adding to avoid lumps. Add gradually if you want a lighter sauce.
Vegetable Texture:
Bell pepper and onion should stay slightly crisp to contrast with tender beef and wilted spinach. Don’t overcook.
Variations
Vegetable Boost:
Add zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots to increase color, texture, and nutrients.
Different Greens:
Substitute spinach with kale, bok choy, or Swiss chard. Add sturdy greens earlier in cooking, delicate ones at the end.
Alternative Proteins:
Use chicken, pork, or firm tofu instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
Flavor Twist:
Add a teaspoon of honey, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice to the sauce for a subtle sweet or tangy kick.
Noodle Options:
Serve with rice noodles, soba, or whole wheat pasta instead of traditional rice for a quick Mediterranean fusion twist.
Extra Heat:
Add sliced fresh chili, a dash of hot sauce, or crushed chili garlic paste for a spicier version.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin tip work well. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Replace beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking tofu.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can chop vegetables and slice beef in advance. Cook the stir-fry fresh for best texture, as spinach wilts quickly and noodles or rice can become soggy if pre-mixed.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain it thoroughly first to avoid excess liquid in the stir-fry.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The red pepper flakes give moderate heat. Adjust the amount to taste, or add fresh chili for more spice.
Nutrition
(per serving, assuming 4 servings)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sodium: 950 mg (varies with soy sauce)
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Note: Values vary depending on the type of beef, oil, and sauce used. Serving with rice or noodles will increase carbohydrate and calorie content.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chili Garlic Beef & Spinach Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy weeknight meal. The tender beef, crunchy bell peppers and onions, and fresh spinach come together in a garlicky, slightly spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. It’s versatile, easy to customize with different vegetables or proteins, and can be on the table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a filling dinner without a lot of fuss, it balances protein, veggies, and bold flavor in every bite.