Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Seeds
A quick stir-fry combining tender beef strips with colorful bell peppers, infused with aromatic spices and toasted sesame seeds for crunch. This asian-inspired beef (high protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs stalks, chopped green onion, minced garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 2 stalks, chopped green onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and toss to marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef slices in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes each batch until browned but still tender; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper strips. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet along with 2 chopped green onions. Stir-fry all together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and flavors combine.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry, toss gently, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Seeds?
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 stalks, chopped green onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Seeds?
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 Seeds 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 Peppers and Sesame Seeds high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
