If you are craving a deliciously vibrant and savory dinner, look no further than this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. Bursting with colorful bell peppers, tender flank steak, and a glossy, flavorful sauce, it’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing. With just a handful of simple ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy stir fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying, home-cooked meal with a little flair.

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe plays an important role, making the dish both flavorful and texturally exciting. From the crisp, sweet bell peppers to the savory, tender steak and the perfectly balanced sauce, these essentials come together beautifully to create a meal you’ll want on repeat.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided: This provides the perfect sear for both steak and peppers without overpowering their natural flavors.
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips: Gives a slightly more bitter crunch that complements the red pepper.
1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced: The star protein; thin slicing ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic base flavor that brightens the stir fry.
1 teaspoon minced ginger: Provides a fresh, slightly spicy note that lifts the whole dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Classic seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings salty, umami richness to bind everything in the sauce.
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar: Balances savory soy with a touch of sweetness.
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a beautiful, glossy finish.
1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and integrate flavors smoothly.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by heating 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or skillet. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil starts shimmering lightly—this is the perfect temperature to develop flavor in the vegetables without burning them.

Step 2: Cook the Peppers

Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the hot oil. Stir them occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just tender with a slight char—this char gives the dish a subtle smoky note that really elevates it. Once cooked, remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside to keep their vibrant color and crisp texture.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Add the remaining vegetable oil to your pan, then season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Turn the heat to high and add the steak to the pan. Let it sear for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so it browns evenly and cooks through while staying juicy and tender.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger with the steak. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds until the aromas fill your kitchen—this step is key for building those deep, inviting flavors that make this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Peppers and Steak

Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan and stir them into the steak and aromatics. This blends the flavors and lets the peppers warm through without overcooking—maintaining their wonderful texture and color.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

While your steak and peppers come together, whisk the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. This simple yet harmonious sauce adds a perfect sticky gloss and a balanced taste that ties the whole dish beautifully.

Step 7: Simmer and Thicken

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan. Let it simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes delectably glossy. This final touch transforms your stir fry into a saucy masterpiece that clings lovingly to every ingredient.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

While the star of the dish is powerful on its own, garnishing Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe with freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few red pepper flakes can brighten the presentation and add extra layers of flavor and texture. A squeeze of lime juice can also lend a fresh zing that lifts every bite.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines when served over steaming hot jasmine rice or fluffy white rice that soaks up the wonderful sauce. For a low-carb option, try it alongside cauliflower rice or tossed in with whole wheat noodles, rice noodles, or even a bed of quinoa for an interesting twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe in individual bowls topped with crunchy crushed peanuts for a delightful contrast. You could also pile it high inside lettuce cups for a lighter, fun finger-food approach, or simply present it on a colorful platter garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant centerpiece at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight and reheating is simple, making it perfect for a quick lunch or second dinner.

Freezing

While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Just be aware that the texture of the bell peppers might soften upon thawing, though the taste will remain delicious. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to bring back that fresh, sizzling texture. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the steak.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can substitute skirt steak or sirloin sliced thinly across the grain for similar results.

Is this dish spicy?

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add heat by including sliced chili peppers, a dash of chili flakes, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the steak for firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth or a vegetarian soy sauce. The bell peppers and sauce remain just as delicious.

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

Freeze the steak for about 30 minutes beforehand to firm it up, then slice thinly against the grain. This technique ensures the meat stays tender and cooks quickly.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely! You can slice the steak and peppers in advance, as well as mix your sauce beforehand. Just store each component separately and combine them when you’re ready to cook for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about making this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe from scratch—its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to stir fries or already a devotee, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your dinner repertoire. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a family favorite!