Smoky Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic
Quickly seared strips of beef tossed with colorful bell peppers and a smoky garlic sauce for a satisfying stir-fry. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, flank steak, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2, sliced for garnish green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and sear for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until browned but still tender.
- Step 3: Remove beef from the pan and set aside. Add the sliced 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper to the same pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
- Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, garnish with 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Smoky Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic?
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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic?
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 Smoky Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Smoky Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This stir-fry was a hit with my picky kids! The smoky notes and crisp peppers made it irresistible.
- ★★★★★
Simple yet flavorful—my go-to weeknight meal. The garlic depth was perfect.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the smoky flavor, but I'd add a splash more chili for extra kick next time.
