Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried tender beef strips with crisp bell peppers and a spicy garlic soy sauce that brings bold flavor to your dinner table. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 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 350 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice 1 lb flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. In a bowl, toss the beef with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Slice 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large green bell pepper, and 1 medium yellow onion into thin strips. Mince 4 garlic cloves and grate 1 tbsp fresh ginger.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same wok, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 tsp brown sugar to the vegetables. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  6. Step 6: Return the beef to the wok along with 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce coats the ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Garlic Stir-Fried Beef 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 flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Beef 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 Garlic Stir-Fried Beef 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.

What goes well with Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers?

Chinese stir fry 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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