If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s quick to whip up on a busy night, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Packed with tender, juicy strips of flank steak, crisp-tender red and green bell peppers, and a glossy, savory sauce that pulls all the flavors together, this dish bursts with color and mouthwatering taste in every bite. The best part? You can have this delicious meal on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you want something homemade but fuss-free. Prepare to fall in love with how simple ingredients come alive with bold flavor and comforting textures in this stir fry classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe lies in a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor, adding texture, and giving the finished dish a striking appearance. Every item is readily available and essential for balancing savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that make this stir fry shine.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided: Used for cooking to get a nice sear on the steak and to sauté the peppers just right.
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips: Brings a slightly grassy, fresh bite along with vivid green hues.
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced: The protein star of the dish; flank steak’s texture and flavor really soak up the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Delivers deep, aromatic pungency that perks up the entire stir fry.
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle hint of spice that brightens the profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and enhance every component perfectly.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides umami richness and saltiness to the sauce base.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the salt with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that glossy finish that clings to the meat and veggies.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps blend and thin out the sauce ingredients for the perfect consistency.
How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Heat Oil
Start by warming 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or skillet until it’s shimmering. This little bit of oil creates the perfect surface to gently char the bell peppers and bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Cook Peppers
Add the red and green bell pepper strips to the hot pan. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become just tender but still hold a satisfying crunch and develop those lovely, slightly charred edges. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step locks in their bright flavor and vibrant color.
Step 3: Cook Steak
Next, add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and turn the heat up to high. Season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in a single layer if possible. Let the steak cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so it browns evenly but remains juicy and tender inside.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once your steak is nearly done, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Cooking these for about 30 seconds releases their enticing aroma without burning, instantly transforming the dish with layers of flavor.
Step 5: Combine Peppers and Steak
Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan with the steak and aromatics, stirring well so everything is evenly mixed. This step unites the flavors and readies your stir fry for the sauce.
Step 6: Prepare Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth and lump-free. This simple sauce packs an incredible punch, coating each ingredient perfectly without being overpowering.
Step 7: Simmer and Thicken
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. As it thickens and turns glossy, it will cling wonderfully to the steak and peppers, giving the dish that irresistible sheen and full-bodied taste.
Step 8: Serve
Your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is now ready! Serve it hot right from the skillet, ideally over freshly steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions takes this stir fry from great to unforgettable. These simple garnishes add a pleasant crunch and a pop of color that make every bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, or even simple noodles tossed with a splash of soy sauce. Light steamed greens, like bok choy or snap peas, can round out the meal with extra freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe in crispy wonton cups or on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pile it into warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired steak wrap that’s perfect on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The meat and vegetables keep their texture well, and the flavors even deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, transfer the cooled stir fry to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor, but if you’re short on time, use short bursts and stir well.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect because it’s lean and tender when sliced thin, you can also use skirt steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just aim for cuts that cook quickly and remain tender.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I’m gluten-free?
Gluten-free tamari is a fantastic alternative that keeps the rich umami flavor without the gluten. Coconut aminos also work well if you want a slightly sweeter and less salty option.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the flank steak with firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce. Just be mindful to cook your protein separately before adding the peppers and sauce.
How do I prevent the bell peppers from becoming mushy?
Cook the peppers over medium-high heat just briefly until they’re tender but still crisp—about 3 to 4 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they char nicely instead of steaming.
Can I make this stir fry spicier?
Yes! Add some thinly sliced fresh chili peppers while cooking the steak or sprinkle chili flakes into the sauce. A dash of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce mixed into the sauce works well, too.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe truly brings together simplicity and depth of flavor in the most delightful way. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a quick yet stunning meal, it checks all the boxes for taste, texture, and color. Grab those basic ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—definitely one to add to your recipe collection and make again and again!
Print
Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender flank steak and colorful bell peppers cooked to perfection in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s full of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Stir Fry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or skillet until shimmering.
- Cook Peppers: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender and slightly charred. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Steak: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and add the steak to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Peppers and Steak: Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan with the steak and aromatics, stirring well to combine.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan. Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- For best results, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if preferred.
- Adjust the sugar in the sauce to taste for more or less sweetness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.
- To add more depth of flavor, consider adding sliced onions or mushrooms with the peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
