Spicy Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions
A quick and fiery beef stir fry infused with smoky harissa paste and vibrant bell peppers, perfect for a weeknight dinner packed with bold flavors. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs harissa paste, large red bell pepper, julienned, large yellow bell pepper, julienned 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 large red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, julienned
- 1 medium large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons harissa paste and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, coating the beef evenly.
- Step 3: Add 1 large julienned red bell pepper, 1 large julienned yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium thinly sliced onion. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, and toss gently before serving over rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions?
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 harissa paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions?
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 Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions 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 Harissa Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Onions?
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.
