Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a savory garlic and soy sauce glaze. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends minced garlic cloves, 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 350 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 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture, and stir well to coat all ingredients. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Peppers and Garlic 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 Peppers and Garlic 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 Peppers and Garlic 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 Peppers and Garlic 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.
