Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce and Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and coated in a savory garlic soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. This asian-inspired beef (high protein) ready in about 30 minutes blends cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce until evenly coated. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to make the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add steak in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring until browned on one side.
  4. Step 4: Toss steak and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 large thinly sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and clings to all ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 3 chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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 Stir-Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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 Stir-Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce and Bell Peppers 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.

Is Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce and Bell Peppers high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes