Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory garlic soy sauce with a spicy kick. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch 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 380 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 medium, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into strips green bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, sliced diagonally green onions
- 1 tsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Toss to coat and marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add marinated beef to the wok in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Return beef to the wok along with 2 sliced green onions, tossing everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Soy 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 Soy 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 Soy Sauce 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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy 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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