Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers

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

Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and a spicy Szechuan peppercorn sauce for a bold and aromatic dish. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, soy sauce, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated; let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tsp crushed Szechuan peppercorns and toast for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef from wok and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 tbsp chili paste, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return beef to wok and toss with vegetables and 2 chopped scallions. Cook together for 1-2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce coats everything evenly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fried Beef with 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 thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fried Beef with 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 Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fried Beef with 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 Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers?

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.

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