Name: Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided use); 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; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 cup water

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 52 reviews

If you’re craving a colorful, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just about 30 minutes, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender strips of flank steak, vibrant red and green bell peppers, and a luscious, glossy sauce that perfectly balances savory and sweet, this dish offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a dependable, delicious meal that delivers big on flavor without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with many pieces of cooked beef strips that are brownish with a slightly charred texture, showing a mix of darker and lighter browns with visible seasoning bits on the surface. The beef pieces have an uneven shape and rough texture, piled on top of each other, filling the plate with a rustic and hearty look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the best things about the Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is how its simple ingredients work beautifully together to create complex flavors and vibrant colors. Each component plays its role, from the crisp peppers to the savory soy sauce and tender steak, making this dish feel special while being straightforward to prepare.

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon, divided use): Perfect for stir frying to get that quick sear without overwhelming flavors.
Red bell pepper (1, cored, seeded, cut into strips): Adds sweetness and a pop of striking red color.
Green bell pepper (1, cored, seeded, cut into strips): Brings a slightly bitter crunch that balances the sweetness.
Flank steak (1 1/4 pounds, thinly sliced): Lean, tender, and ideal for fast cooking in a stir fry.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, aromatic base to every bite.
Minced ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a bright, spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with garlic.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides deep umami richness that ties the dish together.
Sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons): Balances out the saltiness with a gentle sweetness.
Cornstarch (1 1/2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Bell Peppers

Start by heating a teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Toss in the red and green bell pepper strips, stirring occasionally as they cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just tender but still crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate. This step ensures the peppers maintain their vibrant color and fresh texture, which is crucial for a perfect stir fry.

Step 2: Cook the Flank Steak

Next, add the remaining oil to the pan. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then increase the heat to high. Spread the steak evenly in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes until the meat is nicely browned. This high-heat sear locks in juices and creates those irresistible caramelized bits that make the dish so flavorful.

Step 3: Aromatics Come In

Once the steak is browned, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them cook briefly—just about 30 seconds—to release their fragrances without burning. This quick step adds layers of taste that form the backbone of the dish’s savory punch.

Step 4: Combine Peppers and Prepare Sauce

Return the sautéed peppers to the pan with the beef. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the pan, then bring everything to a simmer. The sauce will begin to thicken in a couple of minutes, coating the steak and peppers with a glossy glaze that’s irresistibly delicious.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened—generally after 2 to 3 minutes—give the stir fry a final toss to ensure every piece is well-coated. At this point, your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is ready to be served hot, delighting everyone with its balance of tender meat, crisp peppers, and savory-sweet sauce.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a stir-fry dish in a white bowl with a dark blue edge, filled with glossy, dark brown pieces of cooked meat mixed with bright red and green sliced bell peppers. A light wooden spatula is in the bowl, lifting a piece of meat and some green pepper strips. The surface under the bowl is a white marbled texture. The meat looks tender and covered in a shiny dark sauce, while the peppers are fresh and crisp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe with fresh garnishes like sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These not only add a slight crunch and fresh flavor contrast but also elevate the presentation, making the dish feel restaurant-quality right at your dining table.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs all that luscious sauce beautifully. For a low-carb option, try it over cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried noodles. A light cucumber salad on the side would also complement the rich flavors with a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe in individual bowls for a cozy, personal touch, or pile it high on a large platter for a family-style meal that invites sharing. You can even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes or steamed buns to impress guests with creative versatility.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this satisfying meal again without cooking from scratch.

Freezing

If you want to keep the stir fry longer, freezing is an option, though for best texture, it’s ideal to freeze the steak and peppers separately from the sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the stir fry gently over medium heat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water can help revive the sauce’s consistency if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute instead of regular soy sauce, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! Substitute the flank steak with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and use vegetable oil and gluten-free soy sauce to keep it plant-based while preserving the dish’s bold flavors.

How can I add more heat to the Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?

For some extra spice, toss in sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes when adding the garlic and ginger. Sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side also works great!

What’s the best way to slice the flank steak for stir fry?

Freeze the flank steak for about 30 minutes before slicing to make it firmer and easier to cut thinly against the grain, ensuring each strip is tender and quick to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings joy to the dinner table with its beautiful colors and balanced taste. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a fantastic weeknight recipe that never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quick and delicious homemade stir fry can be!