Spicy Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Over Rice
Craving a quick, spicy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home? This Spicy Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Over Rice is your answer. It’s loaded with tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a bold, savory sauce that delivers heat and depth of flavor — all served over fluffy white rice.
This beginner-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and simple to prepare
- Packed with bold, spicy flavor
- Uses basic pantry ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
For the Beef Stir-Fry
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 2–4 dried red chilies (or to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Rice
- 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice beef thinly across the grain. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.
- Mix together all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Chop vegetables and set them within reach.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and onion for 1 minute.
- Add bell peppers and cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce.
- Stir well and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon hot rice into serving bowls and top with the spicy pepper beef stir-fry. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a hot pan for a good sear on the beef.
- Slice the meat thinly for fast, even cooking.
- Adjust chili quantity based on your spice preference.
- Use cold, day-old rice if you want to make it into a stir-fry bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak work well. Just slice thinly across the grain.
Can I make it less spicy?
Omit or reduce the chili garlic sauce and dried chilies for a milder version.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or more soy sauce with a pinch of sugar can work in a pinch.
Can I use frozen peppers?
Yes, though fresh bell peppers have a better texture and color for stir-fry dishes.