Fourth-Infused Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

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

A quick stir fry combining tender beef strips with a distinctive four-spice blend and crisp bell peppers for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs vegetable oil, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves 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: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper to the wok. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the wok along with 1 tsp ground four-spice blend (star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns), 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water. Stir fry for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fourth-Infused Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Fourth-Infused Spiced Beef Stir Fry with 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fourth-Infused Spiced Beef Stir Fry with 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 Fourth-Infused Spiced Beef Stir Fry with 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.

What goes well with Fourth-Infused Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

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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