Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bell Peppers

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

Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and a spicy garlic soy sauce for a flavorful weeknight meal. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until the beef is evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. 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; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 thinly sliced green bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok, add 1 tsp sesame oil, and stir-fry together for another 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce clings to the ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Garlic and 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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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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