Stir-Fried Beef with No-Sugar Glaze and Bell Peppers

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

A quick stir-fry featuring tender beef strips coated in a savory, no-added-sugar glaze with colorful bell peppers for a balanced meal. This Asian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs flank steak, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil to create the glaze. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 8 oz thinly sliced flank steak 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 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour the prepared glaze over the beef and vegetables, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 sliced scallions and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together and remove from heat. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with No-Sugar Glaze and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef with No-Sugar Glaze and Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef with No-Sugar Glaze 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 No-Sugar Glaze and Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 No-Sugar Glaze 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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