Garlicky Beef and Capsicum Stir Fry

Ah, the stir-fry – that timeless dish that bridges the gap between hearty and healthy. This garlicky beef and capsicum stir fry is a tantalizing union of flavours and colours, with our star players being the vibrant capsicum and the robust diced beef. This meal is not only super easy to prepare, it is also packed with so many nutritious vitamins and minerals.

Key Ingredients for garlicky beef and capsicum stir fry:

To successfully recreate this delicious meal, the following ingredients are essential:

• Diced Beef: The heart and soul of our dish. Beef not only provides that meaty, savory bite but also boasts a treasure trove of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins. Opt for a lean cut to keep things on the healthier side.
• Garlic: Garlic, the unsung hero of many dishes, provides a pungent aroma and a zesty kick. Besides its rich flavor profile, it’s also known for its array of health benefits, from boosting the immune system to reducing blood pressure.
• Soy Sauce: The dark, salty elixir that brings out the umami in our dish. Soy sauce gives the stir-fry its deep color while balancing and enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to counteract the saltiness and spice. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses undertone, creating a layered taste sensation.
• Chilli Flakes: To infuse a little fiery passion into our stir-fry! Chilli not only heats up our taste buds but also revs up our metabolism.
• Red Capsicums: The showstoppers. These glossy, ruby-red bell peppers are crisp, sweet, and slightly tangy. They not only add a splash of colour to our plate but are also rich in vitamin C, making them as nutritious as they are delicious.

Tips for success:

• Freeze beef for 2 hours before slicing: By slightly freezing the beef, you make it much easier to handle and slice. The firmer texture ensures that you can achieve those thin, even cuts which are essential for a quick and even cook in stir-fries. Thinly sliced beef also absorbs flavours more readily and provides a delightful, tender bite in contrast to chunkier pieces.
• Marinate the meat the day before: By marinating the meat a day in advance, you’re ensuring that every bite of beef is flavourful, succulent, and has an enhanced taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Make sure wok or frying pan is really hot before adding in the beef: Stir-frying is a quick-cooking method that relies on high heat to sear and cook ingredients rapidly. A sufficiently hot wok or frying pan ensures that the beef is seared swiftly, locking in its juices and flavours. If your wok or pan isn’t hot enough, the beef may release its juices and stew rather than sear, leading to a potentially soggy outcome.
• Add small amount of beef at a time when cooking: By adding too much beef at once, you risk overcrowding the pan, which can cause the temperature to drop. This might lead to the beef steaming in its own juices rather than getting that desired sear. Cooking in smaller batches ensures that the temperature remains consistently high, allowing for better flavour
• Make sure pan is also extremely hot when cooking the capsicum: If the pan isn’t hot enough, capsicums can release their water content, making them soggy rather than crisply sautéed.

How to store leftovers:

• Use Airtight Containers: Invest in good-quality, airtight containers. These not only preserve the freshness of your food but also prevent any moisture or external odors from seeping in. If you don’t have airtight containers, use well-sealed plastic bags or wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
• Separate Portions: If you know you’ll be eating the leftovers on different days, it’s a good idea to store them in separate, smaller portions.
• Refrigeration: Place the containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Most leftovers, including this stir-fry, will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Reheating:When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them until they’re steaming hot throughout. If using a microwave, stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the stir-fry seems a little dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate it. Always remember, for safety reasons, leftovers should only be reheated once.

Looking for some more easy, delicious recipes? Why not try the Beetroot, Arugula and Feta Salad, Creamy Broccoli Pasta or Greek Chicken and Rice Salad Bowl.

Garlicky Capsicum and Beef Stir Fry

Recipe by jena@jenas.kitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Eating Healthy, Meal Prepping, Nutrition, Recipes

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

4

Adults

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

342

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

• 400 g 400 diced beef

• 3 3 large cloves garlic

• 1 tbsp 1 ginger

• 1/4 cup 1/4 soy sauce

• 1 tsp 1 brown sugar

• 1 pinch 1 pepper

• 1 tsp 1 chilli flakes

• 3 3 red capsicums

• Rice

Directions

• In a bowl combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper and chilli flakes. Stir until well combined.
• Add diced beef and set aside to marinate.
• Slice capsicums into strips.
• If cooking rice in a pot, start this here. See packet for instructions.
• After meat has been marinating for 15-20 minutes, heat oil in a pan or work on a high heat.
• Once the pan is really hot, add in half of the meat, try to drain as much liquid from the meat when taking out of the bowl (you want to keep the marinate). Stir around and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Repeat for the rest of the meat.
• Once all of the meat has been cooked, place capsicum into the pan and stir fry until slightly soft (make sure you stir occasionally as the capsicum will burn).
• Add in the marinate sauce and allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the beef and allow to warm through.
• Serve with steamed rice and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 342kcal
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 87mg
• Sodium: 934mg
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 29g