
Hey, home chefs! If you’ve been craving that spicy, saucy, sizzling beef from your favorite takeout spot but want to keep things healthier and easier, this recipe is for you. Today, we’re making Spicy Cilantro Beef Stir Fry — a quick and simple dish that’s packed with flavor, minimal ingredients, and perfect for meal prep.
This is a no-fuss, bold, and satisfying recipe that’ll have you skipping the delivery app and feeling proud of your homemade skills. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Especially If You’re a Beginner!)
- Beginner-friendly & fast — Ready in under 20 minutes, no complicated steps!
- Simple, familiar ingredients — You might already have most of these in your pantry.
- Big takeout flavors, homemade health — Get that satisfying spicy-saucy hit without the heavy oils and sodium overload.
- Meal prep perfection — Stays delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Flexible pairings — Rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps — your choice!
- Builds cooking confidence — Mastering stir fry is a gateway to endless easy dinners.
- Fresh herbs = flavor bomb — The cilantro and green onions brighten up the whole dish.
Simple Ingredients for Beef Stir Fry
- Beef: Beef is the star of this dish! Thin slices cook super fast, which is perfect for busy days or meal prep. It also soaks up the bold flavors of the chili sauce beautifully. I recommend using flank steak or sirloin because they’re tender and flavorful without needing too much work
- Green Onions: Green onions bring a light, slightly sweet sharpness that balances the richness of the beef. As they cook, they soften and add a mellow onion flavor that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness right at the end. It cuts through the heat and richness, giving the dish a bright, herby finish. Cilantro is perfect here because it complements spicy flavors and adds that “fresh from the kitchen” vibe.
- Olive Oil : This helps to sear the beef and carry all the flavors evenly across the dish. Olive oil is a healthier fat option and keeps things simple without competing with the bold chili sauce.
- Garlic Chili Oil: Adds heat and a rich garlicky flavor that seeps into the beef. Garlic chili oil is a flavor powerhouse that makes this dish taste like it came from a sizzling hot wok at your favorite spot.
- Sambal Chili Paste: Gives an extra layer of spicy depth and texture. Sambal brings both heat and a slight tang, which wakes up your taste buds!
- Soy Sauce: Brings that deep umami flavor (umami is the “savory” taste that makes dishes feel hearty). It seasons the beef perfectly while balancing the spice.
- Lime Juice: The acidity from the lime cuts through the heat and richness, brightening up the whole dish. Fresh lime juice adds that zesty pop that keeps you coming back for another bite.
- Sesame Oil: Just a small drizzle gives the dish a toasty, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the soy sauce and chili flavors. It’s the secret ingredient that makes everything taste just a little more special.

How to prepare Spicy Cilantro Beef Stir Fry
- Prep your ingredients first (mise en place!): Before you start cooking, get everything ready. Slice your beef thinly against the grain — this keeps the meat tender. Chop the green onions and cilantro and set them aside. In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the chili sauce: garlic chili oil, sambal chili paste, soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil. Give it a quick stir so it’s ready to go!
- Heat up your pan: Place a skillet or large pan on the stove over high heat. Let it get nice and hot — this helps to sear the beef quickly and lock in those juicy flavors.
- Cook the beef: Add the olive oil to your hot skillet. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the sliced beef in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes before stirring. Stir-fry the beef until it’s fully cooked through and slightly browned at the edges. This should take about 3-4 minutes total, depending on how thin your slices are.
- Add the green onions: Toss in your chopped green onions and stir them into the beef. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. You’ll notice the onions get a little glossy — that’s your sign they’re just right!
- Turn off the heat and add the sauce: Once your beef and onions are cooked, turn off the heat completely. Drizzle in your prepared chili sauce. The residual heat from the pan will warm the sauce and help it coat the beef without overcooking it or making it too salty.
- Finish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the dish and give everything a gentle stir. This final step brightens up the whole dish and adds that fresh, herby flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!: Serve your spicy cilantro beef stir fry with steamed rice, noodles, or scoop it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb, fresh option. It’s also great for meal prep — just portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.

Meal Prep Tips for Beef Stir Fry
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic and comforting base. Jasmine rice has a slightly floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the bold chili sauce and juicy beef. Cook a big batch at the start of the week, portion it out, and you’ve got instant meal prep magic.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa for Extra Fiber: If you want to up your fiber game and feel fuller longer, swap in brown rice or quinoa. These options add a nutty flavor and a little extra chew, making each bite more satisfying.
- Fresh Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb Option!): For a lighter, low-carb twist, serve your stir fry in crisp lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and feels like a restaurant-worthy wrap!
- Noodles for a Takeout Feel: Toss some soba noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti with a drizzle of sesame oil and lime juice for a full “noodle bowl” experience. Perfect for that comfort food craving.
- Stir-Fried Veggie Medley: Bulk up your meals with quick stir-fried veggies. Try broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. They add color, crunch, and extra nutrients to balance the spice of the beef.
- Pickled Veggies or Kimchi for a Flavor Pop: A spoonful of pickled cucumbers, carrots, or even kimchi adds a tangy, fermented kick that balances the rich, spicy beef beautifully. Plus, they’re gut-friendly!

Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef should I use for stir fry?
Great question! Look for cuts that are tender and cook quickly. Flank steak, sirloin, or even ribeye work well. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain — this helps keep the beef tender, not chewy.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! If you prefer a milder heat, you can reduce or skip the sambal chili paste and use less garlic chili oil. You’ll still get tons of flavor from the soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil.
Can I swap the beef for another protein?
Totally! Thinly sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu work beautifully with this sauce. Just adjust the cooking time depending on your protein.
Spicy Cilantro Beef Stir Fry
Equipment
Ingredients
Beef
Chili sauce
Instructions
Video
Notes
Nutrition