Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Bell Peppers
A savory and colorful stir-fry combining tender strips of beef with crisp bell peppers and a warming blend of spices for a satisfying weeknight meal. This asian fusion-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips green bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 stalks, sliced thinly green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper to the same wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until edges start to char but peppers remain crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the wok and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce clings to the ingredients.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Crispy Bell Peppers?
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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Bell Peppers?
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 Crispy Bell Peppers 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 Crispy Bell Peppers?
Asian Fusion 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.