Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers Recipe

Zesty Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers Recipe for Dinner Joy

Sizzling aromas of a tantalizing beef stir-fry with bell peppers waft through the kitchen, promising a quick and delightful meal.

Tender meat strips dancing alongside vibrant pepper slices in a blazing hot wok.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Fresh vegetables and succulent beef create a symphony of flavors that sing on your plate.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Colorful, fast, and packed with umami goodness, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that impresses everyone at the table.

You’ll want to bookmark this stir-fry masterpiece for your next dinner adventure.

Tasty Additions For Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

  • Pair with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bold Asian-inspired flavors of the stir-fry, cutting through the richness of the beef while enhancing the dish's bright pepper notes.
  • Boost with Jasmine Rice Companion: Serve the stir-fry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor that elevates the entire meal.
  • Refresh with Ginger Beer Twist: A spicy, effervescent ginger beer provides a zingy counterpoint to the savory beef, adding a refreshing element that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Cool Down with Asian Slaw: Prepare a quick cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar dressing to add a crunchy, tangy side that balances the warm, rich stir-fry and provides a fresh contrast.

Different Takes On Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

  • Spicy Kick Beef Stir-Fry: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add red chili flakes to the sauce for an extra heat-packed meal. Incorporate sriracha or chili oil for more intense spiciness.
  • Veggie-Loaded Asian Fusion: Include additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and baby corn to boost nutritional value. Swap beef with tofu for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same robust marinade and sauce.
  • Ginger-Garlic Power Bowl: Increase ginger and garlic quantities in the sauce for a more pronounced aromatic profile. Add fresh ginger strips during cooking and garnish with crispy fried garlic chips for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Asian Wrap: Skip rice or noodles and serve the stir-fry in lettuce wraps. Use butter lettuce leaves as vessels, creating a light, protein-packed meal that's perfect for carb-conscious eaters.

Common Questions On Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

  • Why should I marinate the beef before cooking?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, adds flavor, and prevents the beef from becoming tough during high-heat cooking. The cornstarch creates a protective coating that keeps the meat juicy and helps the sauce stick better.

  • Can I use different types of beef for this stir-fry?

Absolutely! Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work great. Just slice the meat against the grain into thin strips for the most tender result. The key is to cut uniformly thin pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

  • What if I don't have all the sauce ingredients?

No worries! You can still make a delicious stir-fry. The core ingredients are soy sauce and some form of sweetener. If you’re missing oyster sauce or hoisin, just adjust with what you have. The goal is a balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors.

  • How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked?

Look for a nice brown sear on the outside and a slightly pink center. Overcooking will make the beef tough, so aim for quick, high-heat cooking. The meat continues to cook slightly when you return it to the pan with the sauce.

Why You’ll Love Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

  • Speedy Flavor Explosion: This stir-fry delivers incredible taste in just 20 minutes, packing a punch of savory Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your taste buds with minimal cooking effort.
  • Master Texture Magic: Experience the perfect contrast between crisp-tender bell peppers, juicy beef with a beautiful golden sear, and a glossy sauce that clings deliciously to every ingredient.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families wanting a nutritious, restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner in less than 30 minutes.
  • One-Pan Convenience Champion: Minimize dishes and maximize flavor by cooking everything in a single skillet, making cleanup as simple and stress-free as the cooking process itself.

What Ingredients Go Into Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

Proteins:
  • Beef Slices: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the stir-fry, best when thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Helps tenderize the beef, add flavor, and create a protective coating for even cooking.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, complex flavor profile with sweet, tangy, and umami notes.
  • Ginger, Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional Asian flavor to the sauce.
  • Water or Beef Broth: Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Provide crunch, color, and fresh vegetable sweetness to the dish.
Garnish and Serving:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh, nutty flavor to the final dish.
  • Steamed Rice or Noodles: Perfect base for serving the stir-fry, absorbing the delicious sauce.
Cooking Oils:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides high-heat cooking medium for searing beef and sautéing vegetables.

Steps To Cook Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

Step 1: Tenderize the Beef

In a mixing container, coat beef strips with cornstarch, transforming them with:
  • Cornstarch
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil

Let the beef absorb flavors for 10-15 minutes while prepping other components.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Blend

Whisk together a dynamic sauce mixture in a compact bowl using:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Brown sugar
  • Minced ginger
  • Crushed garlic
  • Water or beef broth

Set this zesty blend aside for later action.

Step 3: Sear the Protein

Ignite a large skillet or wok with blazing high heat. Pour vegetable oil and:
  • Place beef strips in a single layer
  • Sizzle for 1-2 minutes per side
  • Achieve golden brown exterior
  • Extract beef and park on a waiting plate

Step 4: Awaken the Vegetables

Introduce remaining oil to the heated skillet. Toss in:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions

Stir energetically for 3-4 minutes until vegetables reach vibrant, crisp perfection.

Step 5: Harmonize the Dish

Reunite seared beef with dancing vegetables. Pour prepared sauce and:
  • Tumble ingredients together
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes
  • Ensure beef reaches complete doneness
  • Allow sauce to slightly thicken

Step 6: Present with Flair

Shower the creation with:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Serve piping hot atop steamed rice or noodles.

Tips That Help With Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let beef absorb soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and enhance taste.
  • Control the Heat: Use high heat for quick searing to lock in beef's juiciness and create delicious caramelized edges without overcooking.
  • Veggie Texture Matters: Stir-fry bell peppers and onions briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  • Sauce Consistency Tip: Simmer sauce with beef and vegetables until it slightly thickens for a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
  • Customize Your Stir-Fry: Swap beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp, and add extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for variety.

How To Store And Reheat Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover beef stir-fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Pour stir-fry into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen meals maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, which takes about 4-5 minutes.
  • Microwave Option: Place stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery texture.
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Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers Recipe

Beef Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers delivers an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Colorful peppers and tender beef create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners when speed meets deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Beef Marinade:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water or beef broth

Cooking and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Massage the beef strips with a blend of cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil, allowing the flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes while organizing remaining ingredients.
  2. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and broth until smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Ignite a large skillet or wok with high heat, introducing a splash of vegetable oil to create a searing environment for the marinated beef.
  4. Sear beef slices in a single layer, developing a rich caramelized exterior for 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring they remain partially uncooked. Transfer meat to a holding plate.
  5. Introduce the remaining oil to the hot skillet, then toss in crisp bell peppers and onions, stirring dynamically to maintain their vibrant texture and slight crunch.
  6. Reunite the beef with the sizzling vegetables, cascading the prepared sauce over the mixture and tossing to coat every morsel evenly.
  7. Simmer the combined ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the beef to complete its cooking process.
  8. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions, presenting over steamed rice or noodles for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Marinate the beef for maximum tenderness by letting it sit in the cornstarch and soy sauce mixture, which helps break down the meat fibers and creates a silky texture.
  • Use high heat when searing beef to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, sealing in the juices and creating delicious caramelized edges that boost flavor intensity.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain the dish’s authentic taste profile.
  • Slice beef against the grain to guarantee maximum softness, cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers which makes each bite more tender and easier to chew.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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