If you love bold, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice, this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Tender slices of beef are perfectly coated in a rich, glossy sauce that combines hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a balance of tangy and sweet notes, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or feeding friends, this recipe delivers big on flavor and can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings when you still want something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that each bring essential flavors and textures to the table. From aromatics like garlic and fresh ginger to fresh veggies and pantry staples, every item plays a role in creating a balanced and delicious dish.
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing flank or sirloin ensures tender, flavorful beef that cooks quickly.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps give the beef a light crispness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for a high-heat sear to lock in the beef’s juiciness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that perks up the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings in a zesty warmth that pairs wonderfully with the hoisin.
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce: The star ingredient, delivering that classic sweet-savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami richness without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Intensifies the savory notes and adds complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a necessary brightness and slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Perfect for rounding out the savory elements with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Lends a toasty, nutty aroma that’s unmistakably Asian-inspired.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick, adjustable to your heat preference.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps create the sauce base and assists in cooking the veggies just right.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides vibrant color and a crisp, fresh texture.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Adds a pleasing crunch and nutritional boost.
- 2 green onions, sliced: A fresh garnish that adds pop of color and gentle onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Final touch that gives a nutty crunch and attractive finish.
How to Make Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by patting your beef slices dry with paper towels; this is key to getting a nice sear. Toss the beef with cornstarch until every piece is lightly coated. This layer is what creates that irresistible slight crust and helps thicken the sauce later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a slight crispiness. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside—don’t worry, the sauce will bring everything together soon.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Flavor
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until their fragrance fills the kitchen. Then stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Let this sauce mixture come to a gentle simmer—it’s the flavor powerhouse of your Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets to the pan with the sauce. Cook everything for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies become tender yet still vibrant and crisp, perfectly balancing the tender beef.
Step 5: Finish with Beef and Thicken
Return your browned beef to the pan. Toss everything until the beef is fully coated in that sticky, glossy sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings deliciously to each bite of beef.
How to Serve Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds finishes this dish with fresh crunch and visual appeal. These little touches elevate the entire presentation, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles, which soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. For an extra touch, serving with a light cucumber salad or pickled veggies will add refreshing contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and veggies wrapped in warm lettuce leaves for a hands-on, fresh bite that’s perfect for casual dinners. You can also pile the beef over a bowl of mixed greens or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal without sacrificing flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Sticky Hoisin Beef to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep well for 3 to 4 days, ready to enjoy as a next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Place the cooked beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container, label it, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating on the stovetop keeps the beef tender and the sauce perfectly sticky.
FAQs
Can I substitute the beef with chicken or tofu?
Absolutely! This Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe is versatile, and you can easily swap in thinly sliced chicken breast or firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken cooks a bit faster, while tofu might need a little extra browning for texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes just a quarter teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. If you like things spicier, you can always increase the amount or add a drizzle of chili oil to amp up the kick.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is essential for the signature sticky, sweet-savory flavor here, but if you’re in a pinch, you could mix soy sauce with a bit of honey and five-spice powder as a rough substitute. However, to get the true spirit of this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe, using real hoisin sauce is best.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free (there are several brands available). Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no changes needed there.
What vegetables work best with this dish?
Red bell pepper and broccoli are classic choices, offering color and texture contrast. Feel free to experiment with snap peas, baby corn, or thinly sliced carrots if you want to mix things up while keeping the dish crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the blend of sticky, sweet, and savory flavors in this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe, especially when made from scratch with love and fresh ingredients. It’s a dish that’s quick enough for hectic weeknights but impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will be requested again and again—so get ready to keep those leftovers handy and that wok sizzling!
Print
Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sticky Hoisin Beef recipe features tender, thinly sliced beef coated in a glossy, flavorful hoisin-based sauce with crunchy bell peppers and broccoli. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines savory, sweet, and tangy Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the sliced beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the beef slices in a bowl with the cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This helps create a slightly crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange the beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to combine all the flavors.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets to the simmering sauce. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp, preserving their bright color and crunch.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss well to coat evenly with the sticky sauce. Let it simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This dish is delicious served over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
