High-Protein Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers
A quick and flavorful stir fry combining tender strips of beef with colorful bell peppers and a spicy garlic sauce perfect for a protein-packed dinner. This asian-inspired stir fry (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into strips yellow bell pepper
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, finely grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2, sliced diagonally green onions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until the beef is fully coated and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the peppers, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet, add 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp sesame oil, and toss everything together for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does High-Protein Spicy Beef Stir Fry 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 High-Protein Spicy 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Spicy 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 High-Protein Spicy Beef Stir Fry 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.
Is High-Protein Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
