Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Ginger Sauce

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef and crisp bell peppers tossed in a savory sesame ginger sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. This asian-inspired beef (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes blends soy sauce, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water. Set sauce aside.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring until browned on one side.
  4. Step 4: Stir-fry the steak for another 2 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In the same pan, add sliced 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return steak to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and peppers, tossing everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Ginger Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Ginger Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Ginger Sauce?

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 Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Ginger Sauce 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 Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Ginger Sauce 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.

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