Five-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

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

Quick stir fry of tender beef strips infused with fragrant Chinese five-spice powder, tossed with crisp broccoli and colorful bell peppers in a savory soy sauce. This chinese-inspired beef (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs Chinese five-spice powder, divided soy sauce, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak, 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Stir-fry 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the wok. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce coats everything.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers 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 Five-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers?

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 chinese five-spice powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli 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 Five-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli 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 Five-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers gluten free option?

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

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