Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers & Onions – A Savory, Saucy Favorite Ingredients

Introduction

Stir-fried beef with bell peppers and onions is a classic dish enjoyed worldwide for its savory flavors, quick preparation, and satisfying sauce. This recipe highlights the perfect combination of tender beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that coats everything in deliciousness. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your taste. Get ready to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

Main Sections

Preparing the Beef

The key to tender beef in a stir-fry is proper preparation. Here’s how:

• Choose the right cut: Opt for cuts like flank steak, sirloin steak, or skirt steak. These are lean and slice easily.
• Slice thinly: Against the grain, slice the beef into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures quick cooking and tenderness.
• Marinate: Marinating the beef helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. A simple marinade can include:
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Marinating Time: Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Selecting & Prepping the Vegetables

Bell peppers and onions are the stars of this vegetable medley, but feel free to add other favorites.

• Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, green, orange) for visual appeal and a variety of flavors. Remove the seeds and membranes, then slice into strips similar in size to the beef.
• Onions: Yellow or white onions work well. Slice them into thin wedges.
• Optional Vegetables: Consider adding sliced mushrooms, broccoli florets, snow peas, or carrots. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Vegetable Prep Tip: Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

Crafting the Savory Sauce

The sauce is what brings everything together. This recipe uses a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

• Sauce Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
• Mixing the Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until the cornstarch is dissolved.

Stir-Frying to Perfection

The actual stir-frying process is quick, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

1. Heat the Wok or Pan: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot.
2. Add Oil: Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the hot wok or pan.
3. Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and onions to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
5. Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve: Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Conclusion

Stir-fried beef with bell peppers and onions is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its customizable nature allows you to tailor it to your preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. With a little preparation and the right techniques, you can create a restaurant-worthy stir-fry that’s both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!