Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Sesame
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and a spicy sesame soy glaze for a quick, flavorful dinner. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced flank steak, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 12 oz, thinly sliced flank steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp dried red chili flakes. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak, toss to coat, and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender.
- Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper to the wok, stir-frying together with beef for another 3 minutes until peppers are crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Sesame?
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 thinly sliced flank steak from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Sesame?
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 Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Sesame?
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.
