Name: Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 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; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided use); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup water

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a delicious, colorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a harmonious blend of tender flank steak and vibrant bell peppers, all coated in a flavorful, savory sauce that will make your taste buds sing. What I especially love about this dish is how the freshness of the peppers contrasts beautifully with the caramelized beef, while the sauce ties everything together in a glossy, irresistible finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this stir fry will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white skillet filled with two layers of sliced bell peppers, with the first layer mostly bright green strips spread across the bottom and the second layer mostly vivid red strips scattered evenly over the green, both looking shiny and fresh with smooth textures. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, and a blue and white plaid cloth is partially visible in the background. The image is sharp and colorful, focusing closely on the vibrant vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key for making this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe shine. Each element plays a distinct role, from adding texture and color to delivering bold flavors that meld together perfectly.

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon, divided use): Perfect for sautéing and achieving that ideal sear on both peppers and steak without overpowering the dish.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced into strips): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red color that brightens the plate and the palate.
Green bell pepper (1, sliced into strips): Brings a slightly bitter, fresh contrast that balances the sweetness of the red pepper beautifully.
Flank steak (1 ¼ pounds, thinly sliced): The star protein, chosen for its rich flavor and great texture when cooked quickly over high heat.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth that lifts every bite.
Minced ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and brightness, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that heighten the natural flavors of the steak and vegetables.
Soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides a savory, umami-rich base for the sauce that perfectly coats the ingredients.
Sugar (1 ½ tablespoons): Balances the salty soy sauce with a hint of sweetness, rounding out the flavor profile.
Cornstarch (1 ½ tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency that keeps each bite flavorful.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Bell Peppers

Begin by heating one teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still retain a slight crunch. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside to keep that fresh texture intact for later.

Step 2: Sear the Flank Steak

Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and season your flank steak slices with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Crank up the heat to high and lay the steak slices in the pan. Allow them to sear undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a beautiful light brown crust. This step locks in the tenderness and flavor of the meat.

Step 3: Build Flavors with Garlic and Ginger

Once your steak is nearly cooked, sprinkle in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring them in for about 30 seconds. The aroma will become irresistible as these fragrant ingredients infuse the dish, elevating the savory notes to another level.

Step 4: Combine Peppers and Steak

Return your cooked bell peppers to the pan along with the steak. This step brings together all the main ingredients and prepares the dish for the final flavorful touch – the sauce.

Step 5: Create and Simmer the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the steak and peppers in the pan. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. As the sauce thickens and coats every morsel, your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is ready to serve—glossy, luscious, and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a stir-fry dish made of dark brown, shiny slices of cooked meat mixed with long, thin strips of bright red and green bell peppers. A light wooden spatula is lifting some pieces from the bowl, creating texture contrast between the smooth cooked meat and the crisp vegetables. The white bowl rests on a white marbled surface that adds a clean look and bright feeling to the scene, with steam lightly rising from the hot food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color, making your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe even more inviting. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also provide a delightful fresh finish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of that savory sauce. For a lower-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or alongside a bed of sautéed noodles for a hearty twist. A light cucumber salad on the side can add a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe in individual bowls layered over rice, garnished with your chosen toppings. Alternatively, try plating it family-style on a large platter to let everyone dig in and enjoy the vibrant colors and aromas together, turning any meal into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic choice for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

This stir fry freezes well if you want to make it ahead or save portions. Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When properly sealed, it can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the meat tender and the vegetables crisp-tender, just like when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beef for the Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its flavor and texture, you can substitute with sirloin or skirt steak. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain for the best tenderness.

What if I don't have red and green bell peppers?

No worries! You can mix and match with yellow or orange bell peppers for sweetness, or even add some snap peas or broccoli for different textures and colors.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Replace the flank steak with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth in the sauce. The peppers and sauce provide plenty of flavor, making it just as satisfying.

How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

Thinly slicing the meat against the grain and cooking it quickly over high heat helps keep the steak tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking by watching the meat closely as it sears.

Can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce?

Definitely. Feel free to tweak the sugar or soy sauce amounts to suit your taste. If you want a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is such a joy to make and even more satisfying to eat. Its bright colors, bold flavors, and speedy preparation make it a standout for any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find this delicious stir fry becomes a treasured staple in your kitchen as it is in mine.

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe