This Savory Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender pieces of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a rich, savory sauce. This classic stir-fry is known for its quick cooking time and its satisfying combination of textures and tastes. The beef, often sirloin or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces, is typically briefly marinated to enhance its tenderness and flavor. The bell peppers, usually a mix of red, green, and yellow or orange, are stir-fried until they are crisp-tender, retaining their vibrant color and a slight bite. Sliced onions add a sweet and slightly pungent counterpoint to the other ingredients. The savory sauce is the heart of this dish, often made with a base of soy sauce for umami, beef broth for depth, a touch of sugar for balance, and cornstarch to thicken it to a glossy coating. Aromatics like garlic and ginger are frequently included to add layers of flavor complexity. This stir-fry is typically served hot over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Its versatility allows for the addition of other vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli, and the flavor profile can be adjusted with various seasonings and spices to suit different preferences. The combination of tender beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce makes this Savory Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry a popular and easy weeknight dinner option.
The texture of this Savory Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is a delightful interplay of tender and crisp. The beef, when properly prepared and stir-fried, should be tender and easy to chew. The bell peppers retain a pleasant crisp-tender texture, offering a satisfying crunch. The onions soften during cooking but still have a slight bite. The sauce coats all the ingredients, providing a smooth and slightly thickened consistency that enhances the overall mouthfeel. When served over rice or noodles, the soft base complements the textures of the stir-fry.
The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami notes. The beef takes on the savory flavors of the marinade and any browning during the stir-frying process. The bell peppers contribute their individual sweet and slightly vegetal tastes, with red and yellow peppers being sweeter than green. Onions add a mild sweetness and a hint of pungency. The sauce is the key to the overall flavor, with soy sauce providing a rich umami depth, beef broth adding a savory base, and a touch of sugar balancing the saltiness. Garlic and ginger introduce warm and aromatic complexities. The result is a well-rounded and satisfying flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet, with the natural tastes of the beef and vegetables shining through.
This Savory Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to personal preferences and dietary needs. Different cuts of beef can be used, and the marinade can be customized with ingredients like sesame oil, oyster sauce, or rice vinegar. The variety of bell peppers can be adjusted based on availability and taste. Other vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli florets, snap peas, or baby corn can be added for variety and nutrition. For those who prefer a spicier dish, red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can be incorporated into the sauce. It can be served with various starches like rice, noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
The preparation of this stir-fry is relatively quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The process typically involves slicing the beef into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and marinating it briefly. 1 While the beef marinates, the bell peppers and onions are sliced. The sauce is prepared by whisking together the liquid ingredients, sugar, cornstarch, and aromatics. The stir-frying is done in a hot wok or large skillet, starting with the beef until it is browned, then adding the vegetables and stir-frying them until crisp-tender. 2 Finally, the sauce is poured over the mixture and cooked until it thickens and coats all the ingredients. The key to a successful stir-fry is to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before cooking, as the actual stir-frying happens quickly over high heat.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 pound sirloin steak or flank steak, cut into 1-inch pieces or thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more if needed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any combination of red, green, yellow, or orange), cored, seeded, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked rice or noodles
Equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the beef pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, beef broth, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger (if using). Have all the vegetables ready near your stovetop.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it is shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet if needed. Add the sliced onions and chopped bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Add Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the Savory Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice or noodles, if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and satisfying stir-fry!