Stir-Fried Basil Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic
A quick stir-fry with tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh basil leaves in a savory garlic sauce. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces flank steak, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 ounces thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef turns brown on all sides but still tender.
- Step 4: Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper strips, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until peppers are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh basil leaves until just wilted. Serve immediately with steamed rice if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Basil Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Basil Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic?
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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Basil Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic?
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 Stir-Fried Basil Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Basil Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic?
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.
