Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried beef strips cooked with colorful bell peppers in a bold garlic and chili sauce, perfect over steamed rice. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Toss well to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 tbsp chili paste and 1 tsp brown sugar, cooking for another 30 seconds to combine.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked beef to the wok. Stir in 1 tbsp rice vinegar and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and the sauce lightly coats all ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over 3 cups steamed jasmine rice, garnished with 2 sliced green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 and Garlic Sauce 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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce?

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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