20 Spicy Stir-Fry Recipes That Pack a Flavor Punch

Stir-fries are the perfect dish when you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and spicy. From vegetables to meat, there’s a stir-fry for every palate.

Below are 20 of the best spicy stir-fry recipes, with ingredients and step-by-step directions to ensure you make them perfectly every time.

1. Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha sauce, and a pinch of salt for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then add garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
3. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown.
4. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook until tender.
5. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tip: For extra tender chicken, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the marinade. This helps lock in moisture and creates a velvety texture when stir-fried.

2. Spicy Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Mix beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili paste. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and season with salt.
6. Serve with rice or noodles.

Tip: Slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. Freeze the beef for 20-30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thinly.

3. Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 400g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Marinate shrimp with soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and rice vinegar for 10 minutes.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan and add garlic and chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink and are cooked through.
4. Add the red bell pepper and zucchini, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve with rice.

Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Add them back at the end to warm through.

4. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 400g firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. Press tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, chili sauce, and peanut butter to create the sauce.
3. Heat sesame oil in a pan and fry tofu until golden brown.
4. Add the onion, bell pepper, and snap peas, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat the tofu and vegetables.
6. Sprinkle with chili flakes and garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice.

Tip: Press the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps it crisp up better when stir-fried.

5. Spicy Pork Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g ground pork
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan, and add garlic, ginger, and onion. Stir-fry until fragrant.
2. Add ground pork and cook until browned.
3. Stir in chili paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
4. Add bell pepper and cook until tender.
5. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve with noodles or rice.

Tip: Use a mix of ground pork and finely chopped mushrooms for a richer, umami-packed flavor and a lighter texture.

6. Spicy Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok and add garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
2. Add all the vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes.
4. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Tip: Blanch harder vegetables like broccoli and carrots for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying to ensure they cook evenly without becoming soggy.

7. Spicy Chicken and Basil Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, sliced thinly
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green chili, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, fish sauce, and sriracha sauce for 10 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan, and add garlic and green chili. Stir-fry for a minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add bell pepper and stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
5. Toss in fresh basil and stir until wilted. Serve with rice.

Tip: Add the basil leaves at the very end of cooking to preserve their fresh, aromatic flavor. Stir just until wilted.

8. Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Directions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
2. Add eggplant slices and cook until tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sriracha sauce.
4. Add bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with chili flakes and serve with rice.

Tip: Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture and prevents them from absorbing too much oil.

9. Spicy Asian Noodle Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 200g noodles (egg noodles or rice noodles)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic, onion, and carrots.
3. Add snap peas and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked noodles, soy sauce, chili sauce, and chili flakes.
5. Toss everything together and serve immediately.

Tip: Rinse cooked noodles under cold water and toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking before adding them to the stir-fry.

10. Spicy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce to make the sauce.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan, add garlic, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add beef and stir-fry until browned.
4. Pour in the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Stir in green onions and serve with steamed rice.

Tip: Use a mix of dark soy sauce and regular soy sauce for a deeper color and richer flavor in the sauce.

11. Spicy Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, and honey to make the sauce.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and stir-fry the chicken until golden brown.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and pineapple chunks, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the sauce and stir well, cooking for another 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with chili flakes and serve with rice.

Tip: Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter, tangier flavor. If using canned, drain it well to avoid excess liquid.

12. Spicy Orange Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g beef, thinly sliced
• 1 orange (zest and juice)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Directions:

1. Marinate beef with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, and orange zest for 10 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok and add beef, stir-fry until browned.
3. Add bell pepper and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add orange juice and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Sprinkle with chili flakes and garnish with green onions. Serve with steamed rice.

Tip: Add a splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau) to the sauce for an extra layer of citrusy depth.

13. Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and chili sauce for 10 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and add garlic, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add bell pepper and zucchini, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with chili flakes and serve with rice.

Tip: Make your own teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a fresher, less processed flavor.

14. Spicy Garlic Noodles Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 200g noodles (egg noodles or rice noodles)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in a wok, and stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and chili garlic sauce.
5. Toss in noodles and cook until well combined. Garnish with green onions.

Tip: Toast minced garlic in oil until golden before adding other ingredients. This infuses the oil with a rich, nutty garlic flavor.

15. Spicy Korean Stir-Fry (Bulgogi)

Ingredients:

• 500g beef, thinly sliced (ribeye or sirloin)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Mix soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic to make the marinade.
2. Marinate the beef for at least 20 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and stir-fry the beef until cooked through.
4. Add onion and mushrooms, stir-fry for 3 minutes.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Tip: Add a grated pear or kiwi to the marinade. The natural enzymes help tenderize the beef and add a subtle sweetness.

16. Spicy Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce, ginger, and chili paste for 10 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok and stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add bell pepper and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve with rice.

Tip: Use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor. Store ginger in the freezer and grate it directly into the dish for convenience.

17. Spicy Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken with lemon juice, zest, soy sauce, and chili sauce for 10 minutes.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add bell pepper and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with chili flakes and serve with rice.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity of the lemon and create a more rounded flavor profile.

18. Spicy Thai Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow)

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken or pork, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 red Thai chili peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

Directions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan, add garlic and chili peppers, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
2. Add minced chicken or pork and cook until browned.
3. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Toss in fresh basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
5. Serve with rice and garnish with more basil.

Tip: Use Thai holy basil (if available) for an authentic flavor. Regular basil works too, but the flavor will be slightly different.

19. Spicy Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 cup cashews, roasted
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Add chicken slices and cook until browned.
3. Add bell pepper and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, chili sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Add roasted cashews and cook for another minute.
6. Serve with rice.

Tip: Toast the cashews separately in a dry pan before adding them to the stir-fry. This enhances their nutty flavor and crunch.

20. Spicy Lemongrass Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 500g beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Directions:

1. Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, chili paste, and lemongrass to make the marinade. Marinate the beef for 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok and add onion and bell pepper, stir-fry for 3 minutes.
3. Add beef and stir-fry until browned.
4. Add the remaining marinade and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with chili flakes and serve with rice.

Tip: Bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before chopping to release more of their aromatic oils.

Conclusion

These spicy stir-fry recipes offer a wonderful array of flavors, ranging from sweet and sour to bold and savory. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, there’s a recipe here that suits every taste. Try them all and enjoy the delicious heat and rich flavors these dishes bring to your table.