This quick and flavorful stir-fry brings together tender slices of ranch steak, vibrant bell peppers and carrots in a luscious sauce made from plum jam, ponzu and fresh lemon juice. The sauce is finished with a touch of butter for richness, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy and savory notes.
Served over fluffy jasmine rice tossed with scallions and butter, this dish is a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a delicious way to enjoy takeout-style flavors at home.
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Recipe details
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry produce. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add scallion whites; cook, stirring, until softened, about 1 minute. Add rice, 1¼ cups water (2¼ cups for 4 servings) and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
- While rice cooks, peel and mince or grate garlic. Halve, core and thinly slice bell pepper into strips. Trim, peel and cut carrot on a diagonal into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Quarter lemon. Pat steak dry with paper towels and thinly slice against the grain. In a medium bowl, combine steak, garlic, ginger paste, cornstarch, a drizzle of oil, a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until thoroughly coated. Set aside.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 5-7 minutes. Turn off heat; transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out pan.
- Heat a large drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked to desired doneness, 2-3 minutes. (Don’t worry if the steak sticks a bit; it will release once cooked.) While steak cooks, in a small bowl, combine jam, stock concentrate, ponzu, ¼ cup water and juice from one lemon wedge (⅓ cup water and juice from two wedges for 4 servings).
- Add sauce to pan with steak and cook, stirring, until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Turn off heat; stir in 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings) until melted. Stir in cooked vegetables; taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Fluff rice with a fork; stir in scallion greens and 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings). Season with salt and pepper. Divide rice between bowls and top with stir-fry. Serve.
Recipe Tips
Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak; work in batches if needed for even browning.
For extra flavor, toast the rice in a little oil before adding water.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute flank steak, sirloin or even chicken breast. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of ponzu sauce?
You can mix equal parts soy sauce and fresh lemon or lime juice as a substitute.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe contains soy sauce (ponzu) and wheat, so it is not gluten-free. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce if needed.





























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