Name: Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided use; 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 84 reviews

If you are craving a hearty yet wholesome meal that bursts with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend. It features thinly sliced flank steak paired with crisp red and green bell peppers, all tossed in a savory sauce that’s better than any takeout you’ve had. Quick to whip up yet packed with satisfying texture and a delightful balance of sweet and salty notes, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan filled with thin slices of green and red bell peppers layered evenly, showing a mix of bright green and deep red colors with a shiny, fresh texture. The peppers are spread across the pan in a loose, natural way on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is driven by simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in bringing this dish to life. From the tender, thinly sliced flank steak to the colorful bell peppers, every component adds amazing texture, flavor, or color.

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Divided use to perfectly sear the steak and soften the peppers without burning.
Red bell pepper (1): Cored, seeded, and cut into strips to add sweetness and a pop of bright color.
Green bell pepper (1): Also cut into strips for a slightly bitter contrast and crunchy texture.
Flank steak (1 1/4 pounds): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites full of meaty goodness.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Adds aromatic depth and a touch of pungency that wakes up the palate.
Minced ginger (1 teaspoon): Offers a zingy warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Seasoned to taste to enhance all the ingredients naturally.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty backbone of the sauce that ties everything together.
Sugar (1 1/2 tablespoons): Balances the savory soy with a subtle sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
Cornstarch (1 1/2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce perfectly for that glossy finish.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Peppers

Start by heating 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in your red and green bell pepper strips and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. This step ensures your peppers keep their beautiful texture and vibrant color. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Flank Steak

Add the remaining oil to the same pan, then season your thinly sliced flank steak generously with salt and pepper. Crank the heat up to high and sear the steak for 5 to 6 minutes, letting it brown beautifully on the outside while staying tender inside. This quick, high-heat method locks in those juicy flavors.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Immediately after the steak gets a good sear, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for just 30 seconds or until fragrant—don’t let these aromatics burn, as they’re the secret to the dish’s deep flavor profile.

Step 4: Return Peppers and Simmer with Sauce

Bring your bell peppers back to the pan, then whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, ¼ cup water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour this luscious sauce mixture into the pan, stirring everything to combine. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that hugs every piece of steak and pepper. Then, it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

The dish is a stir-fry served in a white bowl with a black rim. It has three main layers: the first layer is glossy dark brown pieces of cooked beef scattered throughout, the second layer consists of long, thin strips of bright red bell peppers, and the third layer features long, thin green bell pepper strips that mix evenly with the red peppers and beef. The sauce covering all the ingredients is shiny with a thick texture, giving the beef and vegetables a coated and moist look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped green onions or cilantro add a fresh and vibrant kick that brightens the dish. For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. A few toasted sesame seeds scattered on top bring a lovely nutty crunch and an appealing finish.

Side Dishes

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all the savory sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Steamed bok choy or sautéed snap peas make crisp, light vegetable sides that complement the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this stir fry to the next level by serving it inside lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held meal. Or pile it over warm egg noodles tossed with a bit of sesame oil for a noodle stir fry twist. Garnishing with edible flowers or arranging the peppers in a rainbow pattern can also turn your meal into a visual masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, this dish freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce helps keep the steak moist upon thawing, but the peppers may lose some crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid using high heat to keep the steak tender and prevent the sauce from breaking. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can substitute with sirloin or skirt steak if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to slice it thinly and against the grain.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, confirm that your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for sensitive diets.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, you can slice the steak and cut the peppers up to a day before and store them separately in the fridge. This makes cooking the actual stir fry even faster on a busy night.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is mildly seasoned without heat by default. You can easily customize the spice level by adding chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a dash of hot sauce to suit your preference.

What’s the best way to slice the flank steak?

Freeze the flank steak for about 30 minutes before slicing to firm it up, then slice thinly against the grain for the most tender, easy-to-chew pieces.

Final Thoughts

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home, with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Its colorful ingredients and comforting flavors make it such a joyful dish to share with family or friends. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and see just how quickly it becomes one of your favorite dinners to make and savor!