Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

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

A quick stir fry featuring thinly sliced beef and colorful bell peppers tossed in a spicy soy-garlic sauce, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, medium, sliced red bell pepper, medium, sliced green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon chili paste, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 ounces thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the sauce mixture, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving hot with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Spicy Beef Stir Fry with 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 thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef Stir Fry with 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 Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

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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