Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Bell Pepper

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with garlic and colorful bell peppers, finished with a savory sauce for a fast and flavorful dinner. This chinese-inspired stir fry (high protein, gluten free option) ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger root, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef strips to the skillet in a single layer, cooking undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1 tsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl and pour into the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Bell Pepper 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Bell Pepper?

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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Bell Pepper?

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 Garlic and Bell Pepper 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Bell Pepper high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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