Firecracker Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas

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

Spicy and savory stir-fried beef tossed with crisp snow peas and colorful bell peppers in a fiery chili-garlic sauce that’s perfect for a quick dinner. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 20 minutes pairs vegetable oil, snow peas, trimmed, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but slightly pink inside. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the hot skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup trimmed snow peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over all. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately over 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 Firecracker Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Firecracker Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Firecracker Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

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 Firecracker Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas 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 Firecracker Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

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.

Related recipes