Do you ever get an intense craving for spicy food? I know I do! When that craving hits, I need something delicious right away.
Popping a green chili in my mouth is always an option, but why settle for that when you can have something even better? As a college student, stir-fries have been my go-to for a while—easy to prepare and packed with flavor!
Here are 3 spicy stir-fry recipes you need to try ASAP!
1. Spicy Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 3-4 dried red chilies, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste or chili oil
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using) for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Szechuan peppercorns and dried chilies, stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through.
- Add garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onion. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and chili paste. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and veggies.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
2. Spicy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic, ginger, and sliced red chili; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Return shrimp to the pan, pour the sauce over, and stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice.
3. Fiery Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Instructions:
- Marinate the beef in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and cornstarch (if using) for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add bell peppers, zucchini, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan and pour in the beef broth and oyster sauce. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
These spicy stir-fry recipes bring the heat and flavor, making them perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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