One night, I found myself with some leftover beef and a bunch of spinach that I didn’t want to waste. I was craving something simple, flavorful, and quick to make. As I rummaged through my fridge, the idea of a beef and spinach stir-fry hit me. A few ingredients later, I had a delicious dish that became a regular in my meal rotation. It’s quick, easy, and flavorful—perfect for busy evenings when I need something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
What makes this stir-fry so special is how easy it is to prepare and how well the beef and spinach flavors work together. The beef is tender and juicy, while the spinach adds a nice balance of greens. With a simple sauce to tie everything together, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and healthy. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even enjoy it on its own!
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 25mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I learned this recipe from experimenting in the kitchen. One day, I was looking for a quick and healthy dinner idea, and I happened to have some leftover steak and a bunch of spinach. I decided to stir-fry them together with some simple seasonings. It was a hit with my family, and from then on, I made this stir-fry more often. Over the years, I’ve added a few little tweaks, but the basics of the recipe remain the same. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a winner.
Why Beef and Spinach
Beef and spinach might seem like an unlikely pair, but they work wonderfully together. The beef gives the dish its hearty, savory flavor, while the spinach adds a mild, earthy note. When stir-fried together, the beef remains tender, and the spinach wilts just enough to release its flavors without losing its texture. The dish is a great way to get in some greens while still enjoying a flavorful meal. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can swap in other vegetables or proteins depending on what you have on hand.
What is Beef and Spinach Made of?
This stir-fry is made with just a few basic ingredients, making it a quick and easy dish to throw together:
- Beef – Typically, flank steak or sirloin is used, but you can also use ground beef or any other cut of your choice.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach is the best, as it wilts nicely when cooked and adds a fresh, mild flavor.
- Soy sauce – A key ingredient for the stir-fry sauce, adding depth and saltiness.
- Garlic – For flavor, garlic adds a fragrant, savory note to the dish.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger adds a bit of heat and spice to balance the richness of the beef.
- Sesame oil – Adds a nutty flavor to the stir fry that complements the beef and spinach perfectly.
- Vegetables – Optional additions like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
What to Have with Beef and Spinach
Beef and spinach stir fry is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:
- Rice – Serve it over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Noodles – If you’re craving noodles, serve the stir fry over a bed of cooked noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles.
- Salad – A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the stir fry.
- Garlic bread – For a bit of crunch, garlic bread is a great side to dip in the stir-fry sauce.
Is Beef and Spinach Healthy?
Yes! Beef and spinach stir-fry is a healthy meal choice. Beef is a great source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and K, and it adds fiber to the dish. The stir-fry sauce uses a small amount of soy sauce, which adds flavor without overwhelming the dish with excess salt. If you’re concerned about sodium, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce. This dish is low in calories, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- A large skillet or wok for stir-frying
- A sharp knife and a cutting board for slicing the beef and vegetables
- A spoon or spatula for stirring
- A bowl for mixing the sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 onion, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Beef and Spinach Stir-Fry
- Prepare the Beef:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the meat stays tender. Set it aside.
- Make the Stir Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine. Set the sauce aside.
- Stir-Fry the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little sesame oil to the pan, then add the sliced beef. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion (if using) and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened.
- Add the Spinach:
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook for another minute until it wilts down.
- Combine the Beef and Sauce:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the stir-fry hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use lean beef – Flank steak or sirloin is ideal, but you can use any cut of beef you prefer. Just be sure to slice it thinly to ensure tenderness.
- Add more veggies – If you like, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it spicy – If you prefer some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the stir fry.
- Serve with rice – For a more filling meal, serve the stir fry over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for sliced beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the vegetables.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This stir-fry is best when served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tofu to make it a vegetarian dish.
Conclusion
This easy beef and spinach stir fry is a perfect weeknight meal when you need something quick, nutritious, and full of flavor. The tender beef, fresh spinach, and savory stir-fry sauce come together in just a few minutes. Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s healthy, satisfying, and versatile, making it the perfect addition to any dinner routine. Enjoy!
MORE RECIPES
Easy Beef and Spinach Stir Fry
Equipment
- A large skillet or wok for stir-frying
- A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing the beef and vegetables
- A spoon or spatula for stirring
- A bowl for mixing the sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 onion, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the meat stays tender. Set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little sesame oil to the pan, then add the sliced beef. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion (if using) and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook for another minute until it wilts down.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine.