Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with fragrant garlic, fresh ginger, and crisp bell peppers in a savory soy sauce glaze. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, medium red bell pepper, medium yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 12 oz flank steak
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice 12 oz flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Toss with 1 tsp cornstarch and set aside.
- Step 2: Cut 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium yellow bell pepper into thin strips.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender.
- Step 5: Add the bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 6: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then pour over the beef and vegetables.
- Step 7: Stir-fry for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers 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 Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Beef 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 flank steak from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Beef 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 Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers?
Chinese 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.
