Spicy Szechuan-Style Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp bell peppers in a bold Szechuan sauce that balances heat and umami. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, minced ginger root for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. 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 3 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1/2 tsp salt and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the beef slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large green bell pepper both sliced into thin strips. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp ground toasted Szechuan peppercorns, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, 1 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 1 minute until sauce is combined and bubbling.
  6. Step 6: Return the beef to the wok and mix well. Pour in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water. Stir constantly for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Szechuan-Style 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 Szechuan-Style 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Szechuan-Style 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 Szechuan-Style Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers 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 Szechuan-Style Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers?

Chinese 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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