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High Protein Beef & Bell Pepper Stir Fry - Quick, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips (optional for extra color)
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another high-heat oil)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1/3 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
  • Lime wedges (optional, to brighten the flavors)

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef. Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up, then slice thinly against the grain. Thin slices cook fast and stay tender.
  2. Whisk the sauce. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and water or broth. Set aside.
  3. Marinate briefly. Toss half of the sauce with the sliced beef and let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
  4. Prep the veggies. Slice bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic and ginger. Keep everything close to the stove; stir frying moves fast.
  5. Heat the pan. Set a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat.
  6. Sear the beef in batches. Add a single layer of beef and cook for 60–90 seconds per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef, adding more oil if needed.
  7. Stir fry the aromatics. Lower heat slightly, add the remaining oil, then add garlic and ginger. Stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  8. Cook the vegetables. Add the onion and bell peppers. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. You want bright color and a little bite.
  9. Combine and sauce. Return beef and any juices to the pan. Pour in the remaining sauce and toss everything together. Cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
  10. Finish and serve. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, with lime wedges if you like a fresh pop of acidity.