Quick Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Jasmine Rice

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

A vibrant and spicy beef stir fry infused with harissa paste, served over fragrant jasmine rice for a speedy and flavorful dinner. This middle eastern-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound flank steak, thinly sliced, large red bell pepper, thinly sliced, large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1.5 cups jasmine rice under cold water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons harissa paste and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, coating the beef evenly. Add 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 large thinly sliced yellow bell pepper. Continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until peppers are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork and divide among plates. Top each serving with the harissa beef stir fry and garnish with 2 chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Jasmine Rice take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Quick Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Jasmine Rice?

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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Jasmine Rice?

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 Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Jasmine Rice 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 Quick Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Jasmine Rice?

Middle Eastern 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.

Related recipes