Spicy Recife-Inspired Beef Stir-Fry with Peppers and Cassava

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

Sautéed tender beef strips tossed with colorful bell peppers and spicy seasoning, served with boiled cassava for a traditional Brazilian touch. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs sirloin steak, thinly sliced, large red bell pepper, sliced, large yellow bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 30 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 cups peeled and chunked cassava root in a pot of salted water (1 tsp salt), bring to a boil, and cook for 20-25 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: While cassava cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small finely chopped fresh chili pepper, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak, season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced medium onion, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper. Continue stir-frying for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp lime juice, stirring well to coat all ingredients and cook another minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve the spicy beef stir-fry hot alongside the boiled cassava chunks.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Recife-Inspired Beef Stir-Fry with Peppers and Cassava take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Recife-Inspired Beef Stir-Fry with Peppers and Cassava?

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 sirloin steak, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Recife-Inspired Beef Stir-Fry with Peppers and Cassava?

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 Recife-Inspired Beef Stir-Fry with Peppers and Cassava 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 Recife-Inspired Beef Stir-Fry with Peppers and Cassava?

Brazilian 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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