Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef cooked quickly with colorful bell peppers and a savory garlic soy sauce for a fast, flavorful stir-fry. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes blends minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, oyster sauce 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 360 calories and feeds 3, 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: 12 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add minced 4 garlic cloves, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large sliced green bell pepper to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are crisp-tender and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over it. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce?

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.

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