📖 Instructions

1. First, prep the beef: Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch thick—this ensures they cook quickly and evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix well, ensuring each piece of beef is coated. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. While the beef marinates, prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar), 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat). Set this aside; the sweet and savory aroma will make your mouth water in anticipation!
3. Prep the green beans: Wash and trim the green beans, removing the ends. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches long. Having them ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
4. Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for 3-5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Watch them closely as they can burn easily. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Toasting the almonds brings out their natural nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the final dish. This is one of my favorite parts!
5. Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the beef in batches to ensure it browns properly. Once cooked, remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
6. Stir-fry the green beans: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the green beans and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. If the green beans start to dry out or stick to the pan, add a splash of water and continue to stir-fry.
7. Combine everything: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the green beans. Pour the honey-garlic sauce over the beef and green beans. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined. The sauce should coat the beef and green beans beautifully, creating a glossy, flavorful glaze.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove the stir-fry from the heat. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!