Beef and Onion Stir-Fry with Fresh Tomato Salsa
Juicy flank steak strips stir-fried with caramelized onions and bell peppers, served with a bright, zesty tomato-cilantro salsa. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes blends divided soy sauce, cornstarch, divided vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 tbsp, divided soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp, divided vegetable oil
- 2 large, thinly sliced onion
- 1, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1, thinly sliced green bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, diced tomato
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1.5 lbs flank steak with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let sit 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Add beef and stir-fry 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to skillet. Sauté 2 large onions (thinly sliced), 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced), and 3 garlic cloves (minced) for 5-7 minutes until onions are caramelized and peppers tender.
- Step 4: Return beef to skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, and stir-fry 2-3 minutes until beef is cooked through. Mix 1 diced tomato, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice for the salsa.
- Step 5: Serve beef and vegetables hot with fresh tomato-cilantro salsa on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Beef and Onion Stir-Fry with Fresh Tomato Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Beef and Onion Stir-Fry with Fresh Tomato Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Onion Stir-Fry with Fresh Tomato Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Beef and Onion Stir-Fry with Fresh Tomato Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Beef and Onion Stir-Fry with Fresh Tomato Salsa?
Chinese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Good, but the beef was a bit tough. The salsa was nice though.
