🥩 Fried Beef with Peppers
Introduction
Fried Beef with Peppers is a vibrant and savory dish that brings together tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic garlic and onions. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or flatbread — and its colorful presentation will make it a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients
- 🐄 Beef – 500 g (about 1 lb), sliced into thin strips
- 🌶️ Red Bell Pepper – 1, sliced into strips
- 🌶️ Green Bell Pepper – 1, sliced into strips
- 🧅 Onion – 1 medium, sliced into strips
- 🧄 Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for richness)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to tenderize the beef)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Additions
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar – for a sweet glaze
- 1 tsp sesame oil – for extra aroma
- Fresh chili peppers – for a spicier version
- Spring onions or cilantro – for garnish
- A squeeze of lime juice – to brighten the flavors
Tips for Success
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain – this keeps it tender.
- Marinate briefly – even 15–20 minutes with soy sauce and cornstarch improves flavor and texture.
- Cook over high heat – quick frying locks in the juices and gives a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary.
- Add peppers at the end – to keep them crisp and colorful.
Instructions
- Prepare the beef:
- In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat the oil:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef:
- Add the marinated beef and fry for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add minced garlic and sliced onion; stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add red and green bell peppers, cooking for another 3–4 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine everything:
- Return the beef to the pan. Add oyster sauce (if using) and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley, spring onions, or sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Description
This dish is colorful, fragrant, and bursting with flavor. The beef is juicy and tender, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the bell peppers and the mild bite of garlic and onions. It’s the kind of quick stir-fry that’s both satisfying and beautiful to serve — ideal for both everyday meals and dinner guests.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate – serves 4)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
(Values vary depending on sauces and oil used.)
Conclusion
Fried Beef with Peppers is a delicious, colorful, and healthy stir-fry that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect combination of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce — simple to prepare, yet impressive to serve.
Recommendation
Serve this dish with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles
- Cucumber salad or stir-fried greens for freshness
- A drizzle of sriracha or sweet chili sauce for extra zing
It also reheats well — perfect for meal prep or packed lunches!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To enjoy this dish in a lighter, balanced way:
- Use lean cuts of beef (like sirloin or flank).
- Reduce oil and use nonstick cookware to minimize fat.
- Add more vegetables — such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms — to boost fiber and nutrients.
- Replace soy sauce with low-sodium or tamari if you’re watching salt intake.
- Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.