Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame

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

Quick and savory beef stir-fry infused with aromatic spices, crisp bell peppers, and finished with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs flank steak, thinly sliced, soy sauce, sesame oil 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef 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 pan, add sliced 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pan with the peppers. Add 3 sliced green onions and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry before serving for a nutty crunch.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Sesame?

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, thinly sliced from drying out.

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

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 Sesame 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame?

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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