Spicy Latin-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and a spicy, smoky sauce inspired by Latin flavors. This latin american-inspired latin american ready in about 32 minutes pairs vegetable oil, medium yellow onion, sliced, garlic cloves, minced 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak in a large bowl and pour marinade over it. Toss well to coat and let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add sliced 1 medium yellow onion, 1 large red bell pepper, and 1 large green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Push vegetables to the sides, add marinated beef in a single layer, and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to sear. Then stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with steamed rice or tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Latin-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 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 Latin-Style Beef 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 Latin-Style Beef 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 Latin-Style Beef 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.

What goes well with Spicy Latin-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers?

Latin American latin american 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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