This Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers & Onions is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic onions in a savory sauce. Inspired by classic Chinese stir-fry techniques, this recipe ensures juicy, velvety beef with a rich umami-packed sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef steak (flank, sirloin, or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Instructions:
Preparing the Beef:
- Slice the Beef: Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, baking soda (if using), and Shaoxing wine. Let it sit for 15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
Cooking the Stir-Fry:
- Heat the Oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over high heat.
- Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Stir-fry the bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan and mix well.
- Season and Sauce: Add black pepper, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Beef:
- Use high heat to achieve a restaurant-style sear.
- Slice beef thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Velvet the beef with baking soda for extra softness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—add chili flakes for heat or more oyster sauce for richness.
This Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers & Onions is a simple yet delicious meal that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Would you like variations or additional serving ideas? Let me know! 🍽️✨
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