Stir-Fried Spicy Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic Sauce
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a bold garlic and chili sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends cut into thin strips beef sirloin, soy sauce, cornstarch 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, cut into thin strips beef sirloin
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer 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 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 large each of red, yellow, and green bell peppers sliced into thin strips. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the wok along with 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic 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 Spicy Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic 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 Spicy Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic 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 Spicy Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic 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 Spicy Beef and Bell Peppers with Garlic Sauce?
Chinese 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.
