How to Make Spicy Garlic Beef and Spinach Stir Fry

Spinach, chili pepper and garlic are healthy foods - - they boost our immune system and destroy free radicals in our bodies, and we do not necessarily have to eat them raw (fresh) to get the benefits. This vegetable based dish is aromatic while the beef adds texture to the vegetables; it goes well with cooked rice.

Spicy beef and spinach stir fry instructions >>

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 sirloin flank steak
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper
• 10 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup prepared sliced fresh mushrooms
• 3 bunches or 3 bags prepared fresh spinach leaves, torn
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (meat softener)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

1. -- Prep Work --
   
   (1) Cut the beef sirloin flank into thin strips.
   (2) Halve the tomatoes.
   (3) Peel garlic cloves and coarsely chop them.
   (4) Remove seeds and dice the red bell pepper.
   (5) If you are using bunch spinach, first rinse under running water then soak in water to further remove debris (soak at least 10 minutes).

2. Add garlic into a skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Fry until fragrant then throw in the beef. Add soy sauce and baking soda. Cook for 2 minutes or until starting to brown. Transfer beef onto a plate. Set aside.

3. With the same skillet, saute mushrooms, red bell pepper, red pepper flakes and chili sauce, about 4 minutes. Add in the spinach, tomatoes, and stir fry another 1 minute. Return beef to skillet. Stir a bit then turn off heat, cover, and let it "sweat" for 2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat. Enjoy with cooked rice. Side dish for 4 to 6 persons.
   
   Variations: Omit chili sauce and red pepper flakes if you don't want it hot. For a simple version, you can exclude using the beef, tomato and red bell pepper all together -- use additional 2 bags (or 2 bunches) spinach in place of missing ingredients.

[goldiec]

on 8/21/2009 Thanks for sharing this great recipe for spicy garlic beef and spinach stir fry. 5* I love spinach!