Introduction
Sizzling Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers is a savory and vibrant dish that combines tender strips of beef with colorful bell peppers, stir-fried in a flavorful sauce. The beef is quickly cooked on high heat to retain its juiciness, while the bell peppers add a sweet crunch. The stir-fry is served sizzling hot, creating a delightful aroma and texture. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be paired with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Beef Stir Fry:
1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin, flank steak, or rib-eye), thinly sliced against the grain
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated or minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1/4 cup water or beef broth
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
Sesame seeds (optional)
Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water (or beef broth), and sesame oil. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, searing each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to combine.
Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the sizzling beef stir fry immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Description
This Sizzling Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers is an easy and flavorful dish with tender beef and vibrant bell peppers. The sauce is a savory combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, creating a deep umami flavor with a slight sweetness. The stir-fry is best served hot, sizzling on the plate, and can be enjoyed as a complete meal with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips
For tender beef: Slice the beef against the grain. This helps the muscle fibers break down, making the beef more tender.
Control the heat: Stir-fry over medium-high heat to ensure the beef and vegetables cook quickly without becoming soggy.
Customizable heat: If you like a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies to the stir-fry.
Thin beef slices: For even cooking, it’s best to freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing thinly.
Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations
Beef Substitutes: You can replace beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different twist.
Vegetable Variations: Try adding carrots, zucchini, or baby corn for more variety in texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: For a spicier version, add chili paste or hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Add nuts: Cashews or peanuts can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
Use other sauces: You can experiment with teriyaki sauce or even peanut sauce for a unique twist.
Correction
If your sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch (mixed with water) to thicken it up.
If the stir-fry seems too salty, you can balance it with a bit of sugar or increase the amount of vegetables to reduce the saltiness.
Enjoy!
This Sizzling Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers is a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying dish that will become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy it with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or even on its own for a delicious, wholesome meal!
Hope this helps! Enjoy cooking and eating!