Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Pepper and Ginger Soy Sauce
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers in a savory ginger soy sauce, served over steamed rice. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil 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 400 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 stalks sliced, for garnish scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the wok with the peppers. Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions 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 with Bell Pepper and Ginger Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 with Bell Pepper and Ginger 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 with Bell Pepper and Ginger 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 with Bell Pepper and Ginger Soy 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 with Bell Pepper and Ginger Soy 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.