Spicy Beef Pepper Stir Fry

Discovering this Spicy Beef and Pepper Stir Fry was like a little revelation on a hectic weeknight. The vibrant colors and bold flavors instantly brightened my kitchen and my mood, turning a simple dinner into a mini celebration of Asian-inspired goodness.

I still remember the first time unexpected guests arrived and I whipped up this stir fry with whatever I had in the fridge. The bright colors and smell had everyone curious, and it quickly turned into an improvised feast that earned me some serious kitchen cred.

Ingredients

• Beef: I choose flank steak thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking. Tossing it in cornstarch and soy sauce helps it get that perfect sear and luscious texture.
• Vegetables: The trio of red, green, and yellow bell peppers adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Fresh garlic and ginger bring that essential aromatic punch.
• Sauce: A harmonious blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauce with chili paste gives this dish its irresistible depth and heat. Brown sugar balances the spice with a subtle sweetness.
• Oil & Seasoning: Vegetable oil is ideal for high-heat stir-frying, and freshly ground black pepper finishes it off with a gentle kick.

Instructions

Marinate the Beef:

Toss your thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes. The cornstarch tenderizes and helps create a lovely crust when seared.

Make the Sauce:

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, brown sugar, and water. This sauce is the magic that ties all your ingredients together with a perfect spicy-sweet balance.

Cook the Beef:

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat in your wok. Sear the beef in a single layer for just 1 to 2 minutes until it browns but stays tender. Remove and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Sauté Aromatics:

With the remaining oil, stir-fry onions, garlic, and ginger for about a minute until fragrant and sizzling. That scent is your cue that things are getting delicious.

Veggie Time:

Add your sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. This keeps the dish fresh and lively.

Bring It All Together:

Return the beef and any juices to the wok. Pour in the sauce and stir-fry everything for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every morsel.

Season and Serve:

Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced spring onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that hits all the right notes.

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This dish once saved a last-minute dinner party, turning what I feared was a simple meal into a memorable night filled with laughter and compliments. It’s food with heart and heat that brings people together.

Keeping It Fresh

Using fresh bell peppers and aromatics like garlic and ginger makes all the difference here. Prepping all ingredients before you start cooking ensures a smooth, stress-free stir fry session.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or even rice noodles. I’ve also enjoyed it tucked inside lettuce wraps for a lighter, refreshing twist that’s perfect for summer evenings.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

One rainy evening when I was short on time and inspiration, this recipe turned my kitchen into a fragrant haven. It’s quick enough for any weekday, yet impressive enough for company.

• Remember to slice your beef thinly for quick cooking and tenderness
• Oh wait one more thing: rest the beef briefly after searing to keep it juicy
• Final thought: Use a hot wok or pan to get that signature sear and flavor

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Thanks for hanging out and cooking with me here, friend. I hope this recipe brings you just as much joy and yummy moments as it has for me.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you achieve tender beef in this stir fry?

Using flank steak sliced thinly against the grain and marinating it with cornstarch and soy sauce helps tenderize the beef and keeps it juicy during quick cooking.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, add more chili paste or fresh sliced chilies with the vegetables to increase heat according to your preference.

→ What vegetables work best for this dish?

Bell peppers in different colors add crunch and sweetness, while onions, garlic, and ginger provide aromatic depth.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free oyster and hoisin sauces to make the dish gluten-free.

→ What should I serve it with?

This stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a balanced and satisfying meal.