Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bell Peppers

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

Quick stir-fry of tender beef strips with crisp bell peppers and fragrant garlic in a savory soy sauce glaze. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add beef strips in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a brown crust.
  3. Step 3: Stir the beef and cook an additional 1 minute until mostly cooked through. Remove beef to a plate.
  4. Step 4: In the same pan, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until peppers soften but remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pan. Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp water, and freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp) then pour over beef and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Seared Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bell Peppers 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.

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

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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