Name: Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup water

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This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is absolute weeknight magic—a gorgeous tangle of tender steak, colorful bell peppers, and crisp onions, all slicked in a glossy, savory sauce bursting with umami and just a hint of sweetness. Quick-cooking and vibrant, this dish is every bit as satisfying as takeout but with the unbeatable freshness of your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to whip up a family favorite or impress guests with a crowd-pleasing meal, this speedy and simple stir fry is about to become a regular request in your house.

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons I love making the Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward, and each one pulls its own weight in terms of taste, color, and texture. Together, they create an irresistible balance that’s both beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.

Flank Steak: Sliced thin against the grain, this cut stays juicy and tender in a quick stir fry.
Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami depth and is used for both marinating and saucing.
Cornstarch: Helps the steak crisp up beautifully and keeps it tender.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil that stands up to high heat and keeps the dish light.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and vibrant, this adds a pop of color and crunch.
Green Bell Pepper: Earthier and slightly bitter, it balances out the sweetness of the red pepper.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a tender bite as it cooks.
Garlic: Minced fresh for a bold, aromatic boost.
Fresh Ginger: Grated to infuse the stir fry with warmth and zing.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The base of the quick stir fry sauce, letting you control the salt.
Oyster Sauce: Brings glossy body and rich, savory flavor.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity that sharpens all the flavors.
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the salty and tangy notes.
Black Pepper: Gives the dish a gentle heat and depth.
Water: Loosens the sauce so it coats every bite.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Begin by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl with two tablespoons of soy sauce and the cornstarch. This quick marinade is the secret to extra tender, flavorful beef. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep your other ingredients—it’s just enough time for the flavors to mingle and the meat to soften up beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and water. This is the delicious, glossy sauce that brings everything together in our Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. A quick whisk is all you need—the aroma alone will get your appetite going!

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, spread the marinated steak in a single layer. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until just browned and slightly crisp around the edges. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures every piece gets that tasty caramelization. Then, set the cooked steak aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Drizzle the remaining oil into the skillet. Toss in your sliced peppers and onion, and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just tender but still brightly colored—the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute so their flavors infuse deeply into the veggies.

Step 5: Finish Everything Together

Slide the cooked steak back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour in your homemade stir fry sauce and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the steak and vegetables are completely coated and everything is hot and glossy. If you like, let the sauce bubble up for a thicker, stickier finish.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe with a flourish of fresh garnishes: sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even a handful of fresh cilantro over the top. These little extras add a fresh pop of color and a final layer of subtle flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, nutty brown rice, or a bed of silky noodles. For a lighter touch, consider serving with cauliflower rice or tucked into crisp lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe in a shallow bowl, letting the vibrant colors shine. Or, try spooning it over a sizzling platter for a restaurant-style flourish—the dramatic sizzle and aroma will impress absolutely everyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and stay wonderfully fresh, making for a delicious lunch or easy dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months—perfect for quick meals when you’re pressed for time.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently until just heated through. For a quick fix, you can also microwave on medium power, stirring halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye work beautifully in the Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the most tender results.

Is this recipe spicy?

As written, this stir fry is more savory-sweet than spicy. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil when cooking the garlic and ginger.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms are great additions—just stir fry them with the peppers and onions so everything finishes cooking at the same time.

What’s the best way to slice the steak?

Slicing against the grain is key. Look for the direction the muscle fibers run, then cut perpendicular to them—this breaks up tougher fibers so the steak is extra tender in the final Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! You can whisk together the sauce ingredients a day or two ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. This little shortcut makes dinner come together even faster.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an easy, show-stopping dinner, the Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Give it a try for your next busy night or casual dinner party—there’s something so satisfying about watching those bright veggies and savory steak come together in minutes. I can’t wait for you to dig in and enjoy every tasty bite!

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying Pepper Steak Stir Fry, a quick and easy Asian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender strips of flank steak are cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory stir fry sauce, served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water

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Instructions

Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch; marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and water.
Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon oil, brown steak for 2–3 minutes per side; set aside.
Stir Fry: Add remaining oil, cook peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and ginger.
Combine: Return steak to skillet, pour in sauce, stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy hot over rice or noodles.