Spicy Beef With Peppers
Spicy beef with peppers offers bold flavors with tender slices of beef and crunchy peppers, perfect for quick, satisfying meals suited for spice lovers and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sherry, garlic, and red pepper until smooth.
- Add beef; toss to coat well.
- In a small bowl, stir in remaining cornstarch, soy sauce, dry sherry, and water until smooth; set aside.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add green pepper; stir-fry 1 minute and remove.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil; add beef and stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes or until browned.
- Add pepper; re-stir the cornstarch mixture and add to the wok.
- Stirring constantly, bring to a boil; let simmer until the dish is done.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the red pepper to your taste or substitute with chili flakes. If you don't have dry sherry, cooking wine works well. To tenderize the beef, consider marinating it for an hour before cooking. Make sure to cut the beef against the grain for a more tender bite. For a different flavor profile, try adding a splash of sesame oil at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy beef with peppers over fluffy rice to soak up the sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad can balance the heat. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Boo Boo'S Fried Rice or a light soup. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Beef With Peppers contains roughly 394 calories, with 4g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% 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 cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts such as sirloin or ribeye, which also work well. Just ensure to slice them thinly against the grain for tenderness. Adjust cooking times accordingly as different cuts may have varying cooking times.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan for a protein-rich vegetarian alternative. Prepare it the same way, ensuring to marinate the tofu for added flavor. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the dish.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, use less red pepper or omit it altogether. You can add a bit of sugar to balance the flavors, or incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers and carrots which will dilute the heat. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
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).