Stir-Fried Beef with Chili-Garlic Sauce and Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers in a spicy chili-garlic sauce, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable 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 280 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp chili paste, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Return the beef to the pan and toss all ingredients for 1-2 minutes until heated through and well coated.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Chili-Garlic Sauce and Bell Peppers 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 with Chili-Garlic Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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 Chili-Garlic Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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 Chili-Garlic Sauce and Bell Peppers 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 Chili-Garlic Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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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