Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-fry
Tender strips of sirloin and crisp, colorful bell peppers tossed in a savory, fresh-made sauce. This healthy stir-fry skips the soy sauce, using fresh tomato and mushrooms for a rich umami flavor. A perfect weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the beef and vegetables
- Pat the sliced sirloin dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Have all your vegetables prepped: slice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger and tomato, and finely chop the mushrooms.
Sear the beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully add the beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside. The internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Build the savory sauce base
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and grated tomato. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and the mixture thickens.
Combine and finish the stir-fry
- Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the seared beef to the skillet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, 1/4 cup of water, and fresh lime juice until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain. Freezing the steak for 15-20 minutes makes it much easier to slice.
- 2Ensure your pan or wok is very hot before adding the beef to get a good sear without overcooking it.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the beef and vegetables in batches if needed to ensure they stir-fry properly rather than steam.
- 4The finely chopped mushrooms are key to creating a savory, umami-rich base without soy sauce. Don't skip them!
- 5Serve immediately with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious fresh sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the beef with 450g of firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or a mix of broccoli and snap peas. Sear the tofu just like the beef.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cornstarch instead of flour and avoids soy sauce. Ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free if you are highly sensitive.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 sliced green chilies or 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes along with the garlic and ginger for a spicy kick.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of sirloin steak to 600g to boost the protein content per serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Sirloin steak is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamin C
Bell peppers, especially red ones, are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Excellent Source of Iron
Beef provides heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources, helping to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.
Low in Sodium
By avoiding processed soy sauce and using minimal salt, this recipe is naturally low in sodium, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from beef and vitamins from fresh bell peppers. By using a homemade sauce with fresh ingredients, it's low in sodium and avoids processed additives found in store-bought sauces.



