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Spicy Dry-Fried Beef

This spicy dry-fried beef is a vibrant, high-protein dish that brings authentic Sichuan-style textures to your home kitchen. Unlike saucy stir-frys, this technique involves cooking the beef until the moisture evaporates, leaving the meat intensely flavoured, caramelised, and slightly chewy. Combined with the crunch of julienned carrots and celery, and a gentle heat from dried chillies, it offers a sophisticated balance of savoury and spicy notes that is both satisfying and light.

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is packed with lean protein and fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic. By using a hot wok and minimal oil, you can achieve a professional finish that rivals your favourite takeaway but with much better nutritional value. Serve it immediately on its own for a low-carb option, or alongside a bowl of steamed jasmine rice for a complete, comforting meal.

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Ingredients for Spicy Dry-Fried Beef

  • 350g lean flank steak

  • 3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil

  • 475ml julienned carrots

  • 130g julienned celery

  • 3 small dried red chilies, snipped on one end

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

  • 2 spring onions, finely shredded

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/8 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

Cut the beef with the grain into 2-inch-wide strips. Cut each strip across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices, then stack the beef slices and cut across the grain into 2-inch-long matchsticks.

Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok over high heat until a bead of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds of contact. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of the peanut oil, add the carrots, celery, and chilies, then, using a metal spatula, stir-fry 1 minute or until the vegetables have absorbed all of the oil. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.

Swirl the remaining 2 tablespoons peanut oil into the wok, carefully add the beef, and spread it evenly in one layer in the wok. Cook undisturbed 1 minute, letting the beef begin to sear. Then stir-fry 1 minute, or until the beef starts to foam and release its juices. Continue stir-frying 2 to 3 minutes or until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the oil begins to sizzle. Reduce the heat to medium and continue stir-frying 3 minutes until the beef is well browned, all the liquid has disappeared, and the wok is almost dry. Swirl the soy sauce into the wok and stir-fry 30 seconds or until well combined. Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry 10 seconds or until the aromatics are fragrant. Add the carrot mixture and stir-fry 30 seconds or until well combined. Add the sesame oil and spring onions and sprinkle on the salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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