Asian beef dishes are beloved worldwide for their bold flavors, tender textures, and irresistible sauces. From spicy Sichuan-style stir-fries to sweet-savory classics and aromatic Thai favorites, these recipes transform simple beef into restaurant-quality meals at home.
In this SEO-friendly Asian beef recipe guide, you’ll discover five iconic beef dishes, each packed with authentic flavor, easy-to-follow steps, and pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, these recipes deliver big taste with minimal effort.
Kung Pao Beef Recipe
Kung Pao Beef is a famous Chinese stir-fry known for its spicy, nutty, and savory flavor profile. Tender beef slices are tossed with dried chilies, crunchy peanuts, and a bold sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 8–10 dried red chilies
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ yellow onion, sliced
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- 2 green onions, chopped
Kung Pao Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Marinate beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry dried chilies until fragrant.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook briefly.
- Sear beef until browned; remove.
- Stir-fry onion and bell pepper.
- Return beef and pour in sauce.
- Add peanuts and toss until thickened.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with rice.
Pepper Steak Recipe
Pepper Steak is a Chinese-American classic featuring tender beef, bell peppers, and a rich, peppery sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped
Pepper Steak Sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Toss beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Heat oil in a wok; sear beef until browned.
- Remove beef and stir-fry onion and pepper.
- Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Return beef and pour in sauce.
- Cook until thick and glossy.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Mongolian Beef Recipe
Mongolian Beef is sweet, savory, and incredibly tender, coated in a caramelized soy-based sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Mongolian Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
Instructions
- Coat beef evenly with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry beef until crispy; remove.
- Simmer sauce ingredients until slightly thick.
- Add beef and green onions.
- Toss until sauce coats beef evenly.
- Serve over steamed rice.
Korean Beef Recipe
Korean Beef is savory, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic, inspired by classic bulgogi flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Korean Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp gochujang
Instructions
- Marinate beef with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef quickly until browned.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender.
- Pour in sauce and simmer briefly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with rice.
Thai Basil Beef Recipe (Pad Kra Pao)
Thai Basil Beef is spicy, fragrant, and bursting with fresh herb flavor, traditionally served with rice and a fried egg.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Thai chilies, chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves
Thai Basil Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
- Fry garlic and chilies until aromatic.
- Add beef and stir-fry until cooked.
- Add onion and bell pepper.
- Pour in sauce and toss well.
- Add basil leaves and remove from heat.
- Serve over rice with a fried egg.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Asian Beef Dishes
- Slice beef against the grain for tenderness
- Use high heat for authentic stir-fry flavor
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the pan
- Balance sweet, salty, spicy, and umami flavors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, and skirt steak are ideal due to their tenderness when sliced thin.
Can I make these recipes ahead?
Yes, store cooked dishes in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Are these dishes spicy?
Kung Pao and Thai Basil Beef are spicy, but heat levels can be adjusted easily.
Can I substitute chicken or tofu?
Absolutely. These sauces work well with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
What oil is best for stir-frying?
Use vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil for high smoke points.
Are these recipes healthy?
They can be balanced by adding extra vegetables and reducing sugar in sauces.
Conclusion
These five Asian beef recipes—Kung Pao Beef, Pepper Steak, Mongolian Beef, Korean Beef, and Thai Basil Beef—bring authentic flavors straight to your kitchen. Each dish showcases a unique regional style while remaining simple, fast, and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for weeknight meals or impressive dinners, these recipes prove that restaurant-quality Asian food can be made easily at home. Add them to your cooking rotation and enjoy bold flavors, tender beef, and unforgettable sauces anytime.