Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Bell Peppers in Soy-Ginger Sauce
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and a savory soy-ginger sauce, perfect over steamed rice. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends minced garlic cloves, minced fresh ginger, 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 400 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, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth; set sauce aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but still tender. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared soy-ginger sauce along with 1 tbsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot over steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Bell Peppers in Soy-Ginger 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 with Garlic and Bell Peppers in Soy-Ginger 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 Garlic and Bell Peppers in Soy-Ginger 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 Garlic and Bell Peppers in Soy-Ginger 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 with Garlic and Bell Peppers in Soy-Ginger 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.