Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce made with soy, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it delivers a satisfying balance of textures and bold, Asian-inspired flavors in every bite. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, hearty meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
flank steak (or sirloin)bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)oniongarlicgingersoy saucesesame oilsugarcornstarchbeef brothblack peppervegetable oilgreen onions (optional, for garnish)
directions
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and toss with cornstarch and a pinch of black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Sear the beef in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, and sugar.
Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything.
Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn for more veggies.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce.
Swap beef for chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Top with sesame seeds for added crunch.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.For best texture, avoid freezing as bell peppers may become mushy.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for stir fry?
Flank steak or sirloin work well due to their tenderness and quick cooking time.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, slice the beef and veggies, and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice against the grain and cook quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.
What’s the best oil for stir frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great for high-heat cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just be sure to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch on the beef and in the sauce helps thicken it during cooking.
Do I need a wok?
No, a large skillet works just fine.
Is this dish low-carb?
Serve it without rice or with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Conclusion
Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick, customizable, and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a takeout-style meal at home. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s a satisfying way to bring variety to your dinner table.
Print
Pepper Steak Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and flavorful Pepper Steak Stir Fry made with tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and a savory stir-fry sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of pepper. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and water. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak and sear until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers until slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for more tenderness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.