Stir-Fried Beef and Bell Pepper with Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a savory garlic sauce, creating a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes blends flank steak, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz thinly sliced flank steak to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper to the wok and continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and peppers, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, give a final toss, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef and Bell Pepper with Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef and Bell Pepper with Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef and Bell Pepper with Garlic Sauce?

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 Beef and Bell Pepper with Garlic Sauce 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 Beef and Bell Pepper with Garlic Sauce?

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.

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