Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and coated in a savory garlic sauce for a fast weeknight dinner. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes blends flank steak, thinly sliced, large red bell pepper, sliced, large yellow bell pepper, sliced 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 370 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 Chinese cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan. Stir-fry 4 minced garlic cloves and sliced 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pan along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Stir-Fry 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-Fry 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-Fry Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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.

What goes well with Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce?

Chinese stir fry 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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