Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender beef strips with colorful bell peppers and a fragrant garlic chili sauce. This chinese-inspired thai ready in about 20 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, inch piece, minced ginger, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl to lightly coat the meat and tenderize it.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef strips in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a crust.
  3. Step 3: Stir the beef and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch minced ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper strips, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften but remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili paste, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing everything for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Spiced 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

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

Chinese thai 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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