Spicy Beef Pepper Stir Fry (Print View)
Tender beef cooked with colorful bell peppers and a spicy savory sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
04 - 1 tsp sesame oil
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
08 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
11 - 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
→ Sauce
12 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
13 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce
14 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
15 - 2 tsp chili paste (e.g., sambal oelek), adjust to taste
16 - 1 tsp brown sugar
17 - 2 tbsp water
→ Oil & Seasoning
18 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
19 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes until just browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
04 - Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Stir-fry the onion, garlic, and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add the sliced bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender-crisp.
06 - Return the beef along with any juices to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
07 - Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced spring onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It cooks up in less than half an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something fresh and flavorful without fuss
- The balance of tender beef and crisp peppers paired with that fiery savory sauce feels like a secret weapon for dinner wins
02 -
- Don’t skip the marinating step - it’s the key to tender beef with flavor that really penetrates
- Adjust your chili paste to your heat preference; even a little can transform the dish dramatically in flavor
03 -
- Freeze sliced beef for 15 minutes before cooking to make it easier to slice super thin
- The secret to that restaurant-style stir fry is cooking on high heat with minimal stirring to get good caramelization