Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Pepper and Garlic Sauce

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

Juicy strips of beef stir-fried with crisp bell peppers in a rich garlic and soy sauce, delivering a savory, aromatic meal perfect over steamed rice. This asian-inspired beef (gluten free option) ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 3 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok, pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar, stirring well to combine.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced scallions, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Pepper and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Pepper and Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Pepper and Garlic Sauce?

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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Pepper and Garlic Sauce 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.

Is Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Pepper and Garlic Sauce gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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