Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Garlic and Bell Pepper

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

Tender strips of beef seared quickly with garlic and vibrant bell peppers in a savory soy-based sauce, perfect for a speedy weeknight meal. This Asian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs flank steak, soy sauce, oyster sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until the meat is evenly coated. 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 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for another 3 minutes until the peppers soften but retain some crispness.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp brown sugar and 1 tsp sesame oil, tossing everything to coat evenly and cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, season with fresh ground black pepper to taste, and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Asian 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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