Sautéed Garlic and Cumin Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

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

Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with aromatic garlic and cumin, mixed with crisp bell peppers for a flavorful and satisfying dish. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced, ground cumin 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp ground cumin, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef starts to brown but is still tender.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are just tender but retain some crunch.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing everything for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and peppers.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic and Cumin Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Sautéed Garlic and Cumin Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

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 beef sirloin, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Cumin Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

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 Garlic and Cumin Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Sautéed Garlic and Cumin Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

Asian 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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