If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant and flavorful meal that comes together quickly, you’re going to adore this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. It’s one of those dishes bursting with color, tender strips of juicy flank steak, and the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet sauce that clings just right. Each bite brings together the crisp freshness of bell peppers and the tender richness of steak, making it an absolute weeknight favorite that feels both wholesome and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, contributing a layer of flavor or that perfect crunch to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided: Used in two parts to ensure perfect cooking of both peppers and steak without overcrowding the pan.
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips: Adds sweet undertones and vibrant red color for visual appeal.
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips: Brings a slightly bitter crunch that balances the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced: The star protein of the dish, sliced thinly for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds pungent, aromatic depth that elevates the savory senses.
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger: Offers a subtle spicy warmth and zestiness that complements garlic beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to highlight the natural flavors of the steak and vegetables.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that provides rich umami flavor.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the saltiness with just the right touch of sweetness.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to that glossy, thickened sauce that clings to every delicious morsel.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or pan until it shimmers. This ensures a hot surface for searing the bell peppers, which is crucial for achieving that slight char and softened texture that makes them irresistible.
Step 2: Cook the Peppers
Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the hot pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, just enough to soften while still retaining their crunch and to develop a bit of caramelized char for extra flavor. Once done, remove and set them aside—this keeps the peppers from overcooking later.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Next, add the remaining oil to the pan and season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Turn the heat up to high and add the steak slices in a single layer if possible, allowing them to brown nicely. Stir occasionally, and cook for around 5-6 minutes until the steak is nicely seared and cooked through. This high heat method locks in juices and flavor.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Reduce the heat slightly and toss in the minced garlic and ginger with the steak. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until you can smell that fragrant, mouth-watering aroma spreading through the kitchen. This step infuses the steak with vibrant herbal notes that create a fantastic flavor foundation.
Step 5: Combine Peppers and Steak
Return your cooked red and green peppers to the pan. Stir everything together so the simplicity of the bell peppers and the seasoned steak marry perfectly, creating an enticing mix of colors and tastes in your pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth. This blend is the magic that turns into a luscious, thick sauce that coats every morsel in the Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 7: Simmer and Thicken
Pour the sauce into your skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because it allows the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to cling beautifully to both steak and peppers.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once your sauce has reached that perfect consistency, turn off the heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. The warm sauce, tender meat, and crisp-tender peppers create a harmonious bite each time.
How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish in delightful ways. Consider sprinkling thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for a little crunch and extra aroma. A few fresh cilantro leaves can also bring a fresh herbal lift that brightens the final plate.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, simple steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice that soaks up all the wonderful sauce. Alternatively, serve this over warm egg noodles for a comforting texture contrast, or toss with some quick stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas for extra veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stir fry inside lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held version. You can also plate it atop cauliflower rice or throw it over a bed of quinoa to boost the protein content and add another layer of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, so leftovers can be just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Keep in mind the vegetables might lose some crunch after thawing, so this works better if you plan to reheat and serve with freshly cooked rice or noodles.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to redistribute the sauce and avoid overcooking the steak. Adding a sprinkle of water or a quick splash of soy sauce can revive the dish nicely.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak works wonderfully because it cooks quickly and remains tender when sliced thin, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe spicy?
This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add some heat by tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce when adding the garlic and ginger. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your heat preference.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a gluten-free or low-sodium option, tamari or coconut aminos work beautifully. They maintain the umami depth without overwhelming the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the steak with firm tofu, tempeh, or even seitan. Just make sure to press and slice firm tofu well and use a bit of extra vegetable oil to get a nice sear. The sauce pairs just as well with these alternatives.
How do I get the steak tender and not chewy?
The key is slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain and cooking it quickly over high heat. Overcooking can cause toughness, so keep an eye on the time and aim for a nice sear without drying out the meat.
Final Thoughts
If you want a go-to recipe that brings fantastic flavors and satisfying textures to your table without complicated steps, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend. It’s colorful, comforting, and versatile enough to become part of your regular meal rotation. Trust me, once you taste that tender steak wrapped in glossy sauce with crisp peppers, you’ll be making this 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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Pepper Steak Stir Fry featuring tender flank steak and vibrant bell peppers cooked in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
Sauce
- 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. 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 sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high, then 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, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Combine Peppers and Steak: Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan with the steak and aromatics, mixing everything well to combine flavors.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth and well combined.
- Simmer and Thicken: Pour the sauce into the pan with the steak and peppers. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and glossy.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak in soy sauce and a little ginger for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Use other colorful bell peppers or add onions and snow peas for variation.
- Ensure the steak is sliced thin against the grain for tenderness.
- Adjust sugar quantity in sauce to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
