Are you looking for a quick, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy dinner idea? This sweet and spicy beef jerky stir-fry is the perfect solution! It's ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes; this one utilizes readily available ingredients and transforms humble beef jerky into a star of a delicious and satisfying meal. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and boasts a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pre-made beef jerky, thinly sliced (choose your favorite flavor!)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Prep your ingredients: Begin by thinly slicing the beef jerky, bell peppers, and onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process much smoother. This is a key aspect of easy recipes and efficient homemade cooking.
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Stir-fry the aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Then, add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the beef jerky and broccoli: Add the sliced beef jerky and broccoli florets to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is slightly tender-crisp.
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Create the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
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Combine and thicken: Pour the sauce over the beef jerky and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- If your beef jerky is very thick, you may want to roughly chop it before adding it to the stir-fry.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef jerky with marinated and pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
Variations:
- Teriyaki Beef Jerky Stir-Fry: Replace the honey with teriyaki sauce for a delicious twist.
- Peanut Beef Jerky Stir-Fry: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter along with the sauce for a creamy and nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe's nutritional information will vary based on the type of beef jerky and the specific ingredients you use. However, this dish generally provides a good source of protein and fiber, making it a relatively healthy meal option compared to many quick dinner ideas. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This sweet and spicy beef jerky stir-fry is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food can be quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version. It’s a great way to use up leftover beef jerky and create a truly satisfying meal.