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4.9 from 30 votes

One Pan Hunan Beef Recipe

Hunan Beef is a quick and easy, one-pan stir-fry that's spicy and bold, better than takeout, and it can be prepared in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 328 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian , Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1 pound flank steak cut into long thin strips across the grain
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 zucchini cut into rounds
  • 1 cup green beans ends trimmed
FOR THE SAUCE:
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
GARNISH:
  • green onions chopped
  • sesame seeds

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a bowl, add ¼ cup cornstarch and season with a little salt and pepper. Stir to combine with a fork. Add beef pieces and toss to coat well.
  2. Add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
  3. In a large pan over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef pieces and cook them in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, and cook until they are crispy and golden brown. If needed, cook in batches. Remove beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  4. Add a bit more vegetable oil, if needed, to the pan and add the vegetables. Cook for 7-8 minutes, until tender and lightly browned on both sides.
  5. Return the beef to the pan and add the sauce. Stir and coat the vegetables and chicken for 1 minute, then turn the heat off.
  6. Transfer the Hunan beef to a plate or bowl and serve it with a side of white rice.
  7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • As I stated in the ingredients list, I prefer and recommend flank steaks to make Hunan beef. It is the most common cut of meat for this recipe and the most economical choice, which is why it is often found in restaurants. It is also known as skirt steak, London broil, hanger steak, butcher’s steak, or just beef steak. The taste is rich, beefy, and bold, with a distinct grain and chewiness if it's not cut correctly. It should always be sliced against the grain.
  • Keep the vegetables moving while cooking them so they do not get overly browned on any side.
  • Freeze the meat for 30 minutes first, so it is easier to slice. It has to be cut against the grain with a sharp knife, so be sure to do it properly.
  • Cut all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. 
  • Use your favorite chili paste for this recipe. It's a preference, so there's no right or wrong answer. 
  • In a hurry? Use frozen vegetables. Grab a bag of mixed veggies and use them. 
  • Have everything prepared ahead of time because everything cooks quickly in this stir-fry meal. 
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the meat, or it will steam instead of browning. It takes a bit longer, but it is worth it. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 328kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 68mg (23%) Sodium 1135mg (47%) Potassium 721mg (21%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 1270IU (25%) Vitamin C 51.4mg (57%) Calcium 48mg (5%) Iron 2.8mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 328

% Daily Value*

Calories 328kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 68mg 23%
Sodium 1135mg 47%
Potassium 721mg 15%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 1270IU 25%
Vitamin C 51.4mg 57%
Calcium 48mg 5%
Iron 2.8mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.