Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Sizzling Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe: Dinner Magic in Minutes

Savory pepper steak stir fry promises a quick culinary adventure that awakens every taste bud with its bold flavors.

Tender beef strips dance alongside crisp bell peppers in a sizzling wok.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for hungry individuals seeking a delicious meal.

Authentic Asian-inspired techniques merge with simple home cooking techniques to craft something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

Spices and sauces combine to elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Let’s jump into a mouthwatering experience that will make you the star of dinner tonight.

Storage Advice For Pepper Steak Stir Fry

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the stir fry completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Quickly reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the stir fry's original texture.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs About Pepper Steak Stir Fry

  • What cut of beef works best for pepper steak stir fry?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean, tender, and absorbs marinades well. If unavailable, sirloin or skirt steak are excellent alternatives.

  • How can I make the steak more tender?

Slice the meat against the grain and marinate it for 30 minutes before cooking. This breaks down muscle fibers and ensures a softer texture.

  • Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking to increase heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to your spice preference.

Why Pepper Steak Stir Fry Is A Quick And Tasty Meal

  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare a mouthwatering meal in just a few minutes with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner solutions.
  • Packed with Flavor Punch: Combine bold Asian-inspired sauces like soy, oyster, and hoisin to create a rich, savory taste that will tantalize your taste buds without complicated ingredients.
  • Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Load up on protein from flank steak and colorful bell peppers, creating a balanced meal that delivers both nutrition and deliciousness in a single skillet with minimal cleanup.
  • Versatile Meal Adaptation: Easily swap proteins like chicken or tofu, adjust vegetable varieties, or modify spice levels to suit personal preferences and dietary needs, making this recipe a flexible dinner option.

Ingredients For Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Main Protein:
  • Flank Steak: A tender cut of beef that quickly absorbs flavors and becomes deliciously soft when stir-fried.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and sweetness to the stir fry.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide deep, complex flavor to the dish.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and bright color.
Sauces and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Savory Asian-inspired sauces that create a rich and umami flavor profile.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and traditional Asian taste.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating on the steak and vegetables.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Rice: A classic base that absorbs the flavorful sauce and completes the meal.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Step 1: Sear The Beef

Place a large skillet or wok on high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Quickly toss in sliced flank steak and cook rapidly, stirring constantly to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Once the meat looks caramelized, transfer it to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Prepare Colorful Vegetables

In the same hot skillet, drizzle additional oil and toss in:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh grated ginger

Stir and sauté the vegetables until they’re vibrant and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Flavor Boosters

Return the seared beef to the skillet and splash in:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sesame oil

Stir everything together, allowing the sauces to create a glossy coating on the meat and vegetables.

Step 4: Thicken The Sauce

Whisk cornstarch with water to create a quick slurry. Pour into the skillet and stir continuously. The sauce will transform into a luxurious, clingy glaze within 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste. Scatter chopped green onions across the top for a fresh, zesty finish.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Pile the steaming stir fry over fluffy white rice and dive into this restaurant-quality meal right away.

Pro Tips For Perfect Pepper Steak Stir Fry

  • Slice Meat Against the Grain: Cut flank steak perpendicular to muscle fibers for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat to quickly sear steak without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture and preventing toughness.
  • Prep Ingredients Beforehand: Chop vegetables and measure sauces in advance to ensure smooth, fast stir-frying without interruption.
  • Balance Sauce Flavors: Adjust sauce proportions to personal taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or hoisin for sweetness.
  • Quick Cornstarch Trick: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps and create smooth, glossy sauce consistency.

Flavorful Variations Of Pepper Steak Stir Fry

  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace flank steak with chicken breast or turkey strips for a lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Substitute steak with firm tofu or tempeh, cutting into strips and pressing out excess moisture before stir-frying.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a reduced-carbohydrate meal.
  • Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to boost heat and create a more intense flavor profile.

Best Pairings For Pepper Steak Stir Fry

  • Pair Zesty Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold red wine complements the rich, savory flavors of pepper steak, cutting through the meat's intensity with its robust tannins and dark fruit notes.
  • Create Asian-Inspired Rice Companion: Jasmine or basmati rice provides a delicate, fragrant base that absorbs the stir fry's flavorful sauce while offering a soft textural contrast.
  • Match Crisp Lager Beer: Light, refreshing beer like Tsingtao or Sapporo cleanses the palate between bites, balancing the dish's spicy and umami elements with its effervescent character.
  • Enhance with Fresh Cucumber Salad: Cooling, crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil offers a bright, light side that cuts through the steak's richness and adds textural variety.
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Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 18-21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling pepper steak stir fry delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in minutes. Succulent beef strips dance with crisp bell peppers, creating a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Serving:

  • Cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Sear the flank steak in a sizzling hot skillet or wok at medium-high heat with vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, creating a caramelized exterior. Transfer the meat to a separate plate.
  2. Without cleaning the skillet, add a touch more oil and quickly sauté bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 3-4 minutes, maintaining a crisp texture and vibrant color.
  3. Reintroduce the seared steak to the vegetable mixture, then drizzle with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together to ensure even coating and thorough heating.
  4. Incorporate the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency that clings beautifully to the meat and vegetables.
  5. Enhance the flavor profile with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  6. Finish the dish by scattering freshly sliced green onions across the top for a burst of color and sharp, aromatic garnish.
  7. Serve the stir-fry immediately over steamed rice, ensuring each plate receives a generous portion of the glistening, sauce-coated steak and vegetables.

Notes

  • Tenderize the flank steak by slicing against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Opt for high-heat cooking oils like peanut or avocado oil for better searing and authentic stir-fry flavor.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking to maintain the quick stir-fry technique and prevent overcooking the meat.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding more cornstarch mixture if you prefer a thicker sauce or less for a lighter coating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-11 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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