Four-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas

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

A quick and colorful beef stir-fry featuring a balanced four-spice blend that highlights the savory flavors of tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and fresh snow peas. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Toss well and let marinate 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. 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 sesame oil to the wok, then add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 sliced bell peppers and 1 cup snow peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the wok, add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp water, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced scallions, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Four-Spice 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Spice 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 Four-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Four-Spice Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Snow Peas?

Asian 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.

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