Stir-Fried Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic and Soy Sauce
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and garlic in a savory soy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This asian fusion-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends flank steak, thinly sliced, garlic cloves, minced, soy sauce 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 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Return beef to the wok and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef and peppers.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and garnish with 2 chopped green onions before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic and Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Peppers with Garlic and Soy 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 Peppers with Garlic and Soy 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 Peppers with Garlic and Soy Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic and Soy Sauce?
Asian Fusion 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.