Cumin-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions
Quick stir-fried strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and onions, seasoned with aromatic cumin and garlic for an easy weeknight meal. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced flank steak, medium, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 lb, thinly sliced flank steak
- 1 large, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced yellow onion. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet and toss everything together for another 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and beef to heat through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cumin-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cumin-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced flank steak from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions?
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 Cumin-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions 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 Cumin-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions?
Asian stir fry 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.
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