Szechuan Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a spicy, savory Szechuan sauce that packs a punch. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 8 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef strips in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium-high and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok. Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, 1 tsp toasted and crushed Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Szechuan 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 cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan 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 Stir-Fried Beef with 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 Szechuan 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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