Spicy Chili-Infused Szechuan Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery Szechuan-style stir fry bursting with the heat of chili oil and fresh bell peppers, perfect for those who crave bold flavors and a hot kick. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, Szechuan chili oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced green bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced yellow onion to the wok. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and edges slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth. Pour this sauce into the wok along with 2 tbsp Szechuan chili oil and 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
  4. Step 4: Toss the vegetables in the sauce mixture, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 chopped scallions over the stir fry before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chili-Infused Szechuan Stir Fry with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Chili-Infused Szechuan 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chili-Infused Szechuan 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 Chili-Infused Szechuan Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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.

Is Spicy Chili-Infused Szechuan Stir Fry with Bell Peppers vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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