Garlic Beef With Green Peppers Recipe

This Garlic Beef with Green Peppers recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that tastes just like takeout! Tender beef, crisp green peppers, and aromatic garlic come together with a savory teriyaki sauce to make a perfect meal in under 30 minutes. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner for busy days when you want something homemade and delicious.

This garlic beef tastes just like garlic beef from a Chinese restaurant.  Who need the takeout when you can make authentic tasting garlic beef at home :)  Beef slices are marinated in teriyaki sauce, then stir-fried with onions and green peppers – delicious!

This garlic beef recipe is very quick and easy to make – perfect for busy people!   For an even easier side dish, use the rice cooker to make the rice.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Beef With Green Peppers

• Delicious Takeout Flavor at Home: This dish delivers the bold, savory flavors you love from takeout, all made easily at home with simple ingredients.
• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful meal without the wait.
• Healthy and Fresh: Packed with fresh green peppers, onions, and garlic, this stir-fry is a wholesome option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
• Great for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen as it sits, making this dish ideal for leftovers or meal prep. Simply reheat and enjoy the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of beef, chopped: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, the beef soaks up the teriyaki marinade for a rich flavor.
• 1 onions, chopped: The onions add a touch of sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the stir-fry.
• 2 green peppers, chopped: These add a fresh, crisp bite that pairs perfectly with the garlic and beef.
• 1/2 cup bottled teryaki sauce: A bottled sauce makes this dish quick and easy, bringing a savory and slightly sweet element.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a bold, aromatic flavor that is the backbone of this dish.
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: These spices add depth and a bit of heat to the stir-fry.
• 1/8 tsp ground red pepper: These spices add depth and a bit of heat to the stir-fry.
• 2 tbsp oil: Helps to fry the ingredients to perfection, giving them a nice sear.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Garlic Beef With Green Peppers

• Non-stick frying pan: Ensures the beef and vegetables cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
• Spatula: Helps stir and flip the ingredients while cooking.
• Knife: For chopping the beef, peppers, and onions into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for slicing and dicing the ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Used to marinate the beef in teriyaki sauce.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring out the oil and spices.

Directions:

Put beef in a bowl and pour teryaki sauce over it.  Toss to coat.  Leave to marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan.  Add green peppers and onions, and cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes, or until peppers cooked through.  Add salt to taste and remove the peppers and onions from the frying pans into a clean bowl and set aside.

When the beef is done marinating, heat another 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan.  Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.  Add the beef and stir.  Cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink.  Add cooked green peppers and onions and stir.  Sprinkle with black pepper and red pepper and stir.  Add salt to taste if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this garlic beef stir-fry over steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
• For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or serve alongside a green salad.
• Add a side of hibachi noodles or quinoa for a different texture and a heartier meal.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions to add a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Pair it with a light soup, such as miso or egg drop soup, for a balanced dinner.

Tips For Success

• Use High Heat: When stir-frying the beef and vegetables, ensure your pan is hot enough to give the ingredients a nice sear, which enhances the flavor and texture.
• Marinate for Flavor: Letting the beef marinate in teriyaki sauce for at least 20 minutes ensures it soaks up the savory, slightly sweet flavors. For even more flavor, you can marinate it longer or refrigerate it overnight.
• Slice Beef Thinly: For even cooking, slice the beef into thin, bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly, preventing toughness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the meat to steam instead of searing. A good sear locks in moisture and flavor.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper.

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Proteins: You can swap the beef for chicken, pork, or shrimp to create a different but equally delicious stir-fry. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is cooked through.
• Vegetable Options: If you’re looking to add more vegetables, try including mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli. These veggies complement the garlic and teriyaki flavors nicely.
• Low-Sodium Teriyaki: For a healthier option, use a low-sodium teriyaki sauce to reduce the overall salt content without sacrificing flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha while cooking for an extra layer of heat.
• Soy Sauce Substitute: If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can use a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure you use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce to make this dish gluten-free. You can also substitute tamari for regular soy sauce if you’re making your own sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The garlic beef with green peppers will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm it in a non-stick pan over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the beef may lose some of its crispness.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the stir-fry to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

What vegetables can I add to this stir-fry?

In addition to green peppers and onions, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli. These will add more color and texture to the dish.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. You can also use tamari in place of soy sauce if you’re making your own sauce.

What can I serve with garlic beef and green peppers?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a side salad.

Other Easy Beef Recipes

Healthy Ground Beef Skillet Stir Fry: This ground beef stir fry is a quick, one-pan meal loaded with veggies, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Crispy Air Fryer Beef Short Ribs Recipe: These air fryer beef short ribs come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with minimal effort required.

Skillet Ground Beef with Potatoes: This comforting skillet meal combines seasoned ground beef and potatoes for an easy, hearty dish.

Easy Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry: Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with vegetables and tossed in a sweet teriyaki sauce for a quick and delicious meal.

Instant Pot Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup: This Instant Pot soup is packed with tender beef and nutritious vegetables, perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Air Fryer Jamaican Beef Patties from Frozen: These frozen Jamaican beef patties cook up crispy and delicious in the air fryer, offering a convenient snack or meal.

Instant Pot Tender Eye of Round Roast: This Instant Pot recipe delivers a perfectly tender and flavorful eye of round roast with minimal cooking time.

See More Stir-Fry Recipes

• Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
• Chicken Stir Fry with Zucchini, Mushrooms, and Cauliflower Rice
• Spicy Chicken and Pepper Stir Fry with Onions