Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Scallions

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender beef strips tossed with crisp bell peppers and scallions in a spicy savory sauce. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp soy sauce in a medium bowl until evenly coated; let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium-high, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, then add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok along with 4 sliced scallions, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp brown sugar, and the remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce; stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce coats the ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 and Scallions?

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 cornstarch from drying out.

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

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 Scallions 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 Scallions?

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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