Penne With Stir-Fried Beef And Red Bellpepper
Penne with stir-fried beef and red bell peppers offers a vibrant, savory Asian-inspired flavor profile. The tender beef, crisp peppers, and aromatic ginger and garlic come together in a rich soy-based sauce, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that appeals to lovers of bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Scotch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Asian toasted sesame seed ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. boneless sirloin, cut into 1/4-inch strips
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into julienne strips ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced peeled fresh ginger root ⓘ
- 6 scallions, sliced thin diagonally ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried hot red pepper flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, beef broth, Scotch, sugar, and sesame seed oil.
- In a large heavy skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat until it begins to smoke. Stir-fry the beef in 2 batches for 30 seconds each, until browned but still pink inside. Transfer beef to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until hot but not smoking. Stir-fry the bell peppers for 2 minutes, until crisp-tender. Transfer to the bowl with the beef.
- In the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, stir-fry the garlic and ginger over moderately high heat for 30 seconds.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture and add it to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the beef and bell peppers back into the skillet along with the scallions and red pepper flakes. Season with salt to taste.
- Meanwhile, boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
- Toss the cooked penne with the beef mixture in a large bowl and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tender beef, ensure it's cut against the grain and marinate it briefly in the cornstarch mixture. You can substitute the beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter flavor or use tamari for a gluten-free version of the soy sauce. Fresh bell peppers can be swapped with other vegetables like snap peas or carrots, adding variety to your dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Penne with Stir-Fried Beef and Red Bellpepper topped with extra scallions for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light soup like Hot and Sour Soup, or browse more Chinese recipes to complement your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Stir-Fried Beef And Red Bellpepper contains roughly 511 calories, with 33g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the specific pasta type to achieve al dente perfection.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I serve with this dish to make it a complete meal?
Consider serving this stir-fried pasta with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for added crunch. A light salad or a bowl of miso soup can also complement the flavors beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).