Sticky Hoisin Beef
This sticky hoisin beef is a quick, takeout-style dinner made with tender sliced beef tossed in a sweet, savory, glossy hoisin sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy hoisin beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, rice bowls, and meal prep—better than takeout and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil vegetable or avocado
- 4 –5 green onions whites and greens separated
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely grated
- Black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sauce
- ⅓ cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 –2 tablespoons brown sugar to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Pat sliced beef dry and lightly season with black pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir sauce again and pour into the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Return beef to the skillet and toss until fully coated and sticky, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Always slice beef against the grain for tenderness.
- Cornstarch is key for the sticky, glossy sauce—don’t skip it.
- If sauce thickens too much, add water or broth 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Best served immediately, but reheats well.