Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini
Quick sautéed beef strips paired with colorful bell peppers and zucchini create a vibrant Whole30-friendly stir-fry packed with flavor. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced into strips sirloin steak, large, thinly sliced red bell pepper, large, thinly sliced yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced into strips sirloin steak
- 1 large, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 large, thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
- 2 medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak strips and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned but still tender. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil. Add 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 large thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, and 2 medium sliced zucchinis. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in 3 tbsp coconut aminos and 1 tsp sesame oil, sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, enjoying a nutrient-rich Whole30 stir-fry.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini?
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 coconut aminos from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini?
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 Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini 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.
Is Sautéed Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Zucchini whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.