Seven Flavor Beef is a bold, aromatic Asian-inspired beef dish that brings together savory, sweet, spicy, and herbal flavors in every bite. Inspired by the famous Seven Flavor Beef served at Wild Ginger in Seattle, this flavorful preparation combines tender beef with fragrant seasonings and a delicious sauce for a memorable homemade dinner.
The signature flavor combination features lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chilies, hoisin sauce, fresh basil, and peanuts. Lemongrass adds a bright citrus aroma, while ginger and garlic create a savory foundation. Chili flakes provide heat, hoisin sauce contributes sweetness and depth, and fresh basil brings a fragrant finishing touch. Chopped peanuts add a satisfying contrast in texture.
One of the keys to preparing delicious Seven Flavor Beef is slicing the meat thinly against the grain. This helps create tender pieces that cook quickly and evenly. Allowing the beef to marinate gives the aromatics time to develop their flavor. When it’s time to cook, use a thoroughly heated wok or large skillet and work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
A carbon steel wok on Amazon is a useful tool for preparing high-heat beef dishes and other Asian-inspired recipes.
Seven Flavor Beef makes a satisfying main course served with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or crisp vegetables. For more Asian-inspired beef dinners, explore our Szechuan Beef or browse the Beef Recipes collection for additional ideas.
Whether you’re planning a special dinner or exploring new flavors, Seven Flavor Beef offers an exciting combination of aromatics, savory sauce, and tender beef. With careful preparation and a hot cooking surface, this dish can bring restaurant-style flavors to your own kitchen.
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Seven Flavor Beef
- Total Time: 1:30
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sliced flank steak
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass
- 1/2 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 bunch thinly sliced green onion
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground peanuts
- 20 Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a nonreactive baking dish for 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a wok and heat over high heat.
- When oil is hot, add red onion, green onion, and bean sprouts and sear for 1 minute, stirring. Set aside on serving platter.
- Add beef to very hot wok and sear until rare. Add hoisin sauce and toss until coated.
- Add ground peanuts and basil and cook until meat is medium rare.
- Serve meat over onions and bean sprouts.
Notes
To store the leftovers of Seven Flavor Beef properly, follow these simple steps:
- Let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. Leaving it out at room temperature for too long can cause bacteria to grow, making it unsafe to eat.
- Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container that is large enough to accommodate the beef and any sauce or liquid that may be left over.
- Label the container with the date of storage and the contents to avoid confusion.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, ensure that the beef is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Note: Avoid reheating the Seven Flavor Beef in a microwave as this may cause it to become tough and chewy. Instead, heat it up gently in a pan on the stove or in the oven until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Prep Time: :20
- Marinade: 1:00
- Cook Time: :10
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian