Name: Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips; 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided use); 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

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and a satisfying mix of textures, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, thinly sliced flank steak with vibrant red and green bell peppers, all enveloped in a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is a dinner showstopper that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a deliciously balanced meal that feels both comforting and exciting, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan filled with sliced red and green bell pepper strips. The peppers are cut into long thin pieces, evenly mixed and spread out in the pan, showing smooth, glossy, and fresh textures. The background shows a white marbled surface and a blue checkered fabric cloth is barely visible in the top corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the crisp bell peppers bringing color and crunch, to the umami-rich soy sauce, every element is essential to making this dish shine.

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon, divided): This neutral oil is perfect for quickly searing steak and sautéing peppers without overpowering the flavors.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red color that brightens the dish beautifully.
Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings a slightly bitter contrast and fresh texture balancing the sweet pepper.
Flank steak (1¼ pounds, thinly sliced): Lean and tender when sliced thin, this cut soaks up the stir fry sauce perfectly.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Offers that warm, fragrant punch which elevates every bite.
Minced ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of zing and freshness to complement the garlic.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the steak and vegetables.
Soy sauce (¼ cup): The salty backbone of the sauce, delivering classic Asian depth.
Sugar (1½ tablespoons): Balances the saltiness and adds a glossy finish.
Cornstarch (1½ tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency that beautifully coats the steak and peppers.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Peppers

Start by heating a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the red and green bell peppers and cook them just until they’re tender but still have a nice crunch—about 3 to 4 minutes. This way, the peppers retain their bright colors and fresh flavor. Then, remove them from the pan and set them aside for later.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Next, add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and crank up the heat to high. Season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then sear it in the hot pan. Cooking the steak for about 5 to 6 minutes ensures a beautifully browned exterior while keeping the inside tender. This step locks in all that juicy flavor you want in every bite.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once the steak has taken on some color, sprinkle in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir everything quickly for about 30 seconds so those fragrant ingredients release their vibrant aromas without burning. This brief step is crucial for building the deep, savory foundation of the dish.

Step 4: Combine Peppers and Steak

Return the sautéed peppers to the pan, mixing them gently with the steak and aromatics. This reunites all the flavor elements, setting the stage for the final flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Make and Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch to create a luscious sauce. Pour this mixture over the steak and pepper combo, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. As the sauce thickens over 2 to 3 minutes, it will coat each ingredient in a glossy, irresistible glaze. Once it reaches the perfect consistency, your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a stir-fry dish in a white bowl, filled with rich brown cooked beef slices that are shiny and moist, mixed with bright green and red bell pepper strips scattered evenly around the beef pieces. A wooden spatula is lifting some of the beef and green pepper, showing the tender texture of the beef and the glossy sauce coating everything. The background surface is a white marbled texture, adding brightness to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds at the end can elevate the dish’s presentation and introduce a fresh, nutty touch. A few fresh cilantro leaves or a dash of crushed red chili flakes also add a lovely pop of aroma and flavor if you want a little heat.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or a simple stir-fried noodle to complement the main flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond a traditional plate? Try serving this stir fry atop a bed of crispy lettuce leaves for a fresh crunch or in warm tortillas as an Asian-inspired wrap. You can even pack it into ramekins or small bowls for a fun, family-style experience that feels special every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that only tastes better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, this stir fry freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe will keep for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the peppers can be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor remains lovely.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the best texture, but it works fine for a quick warm-up on busy days.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is wonderful for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin or skirt steak are great alternatives as they also slice thinly and cook quickly, maintaining the perfect texture for stir fries.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the sauce?

Cornstarch is key to achieving that lovely glossy sauce that clings to the steak and veggies, but if you’re out, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or potato starch. Just remember to mix it thoroughly so the sauce thickens evenly.

How do I make this dish less salty?

If you want to reduce sodium, try using a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, you can cut back on the soy sauce slightly and balance the flavor with a touch more sugar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.

Can I make this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe vegetarian or vegan?

For a plant-based version, swap the flank steak with firm tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian soy sauce. You might also want to add mushrooms for that meaty texture and umami depth that complements the bell peppers beautifully.

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

For the most tender slices, place your flank steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes until it firms up slightly; this makes it easier to cut thin, even strips against the grain. This technique helps ensure the meat stays tender when cooked quickly in a stir fry.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe—it’s quick to make, delightfully flavorful, and packed with beautiful colors and textures that invite second helpings. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight win or a crowd-pleasing favorite, this dish effortlessly delivers. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, always ready to impress with its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious mouthful!

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need