If you love vibrant flavors and quick dinners that genuinely satisfy, you’re going to adore this Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe. Tender slices of flank steak meet crisp, colorful bell peppers and onions, all wrapped up in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that comes together in no time. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you want a restaurant-quality stir-fry that feels homemade and comforting. Trust me, once you try this pepper steak recipe, it’ll become one of your favorites to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish truly shine, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From fresh vegetables adding crunch and color to perfectly marinated steak, every element is essential to balance taste and texture.
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 lb): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender results.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and umami without overpowering.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon + slurry): Used to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings that subtle nutty aroma that ties everything together.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of spice without heat.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For perfect searing and stir-frying.
- Bell peppers (1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow optional): A colorful trio that adds sweetness and crunch.
- Medium onion (1): Sliced to lend a gentle sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): For that classic aromatic kick.
- Grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Offers a fresh, zesty lift.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle heat if you like things spicy.
- Water (2 tablespoons): To balance sauces and loosen flavors.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Enhances savory tones in the stir-fry.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a rich and slightly sweet depth.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a unique sweetness and complexity.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and a hint of tang.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the savory and tangy components perfectly.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by mixing soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Add your thinly sliced flank steak and let it soak up those flavors for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures your beef turns tender and juicy with every bite.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Whisk these together until smooth. This sauce blend is the heart of your stir-fry, marrying sweet, savory, and tangy notes beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then toss in sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry them just long enough, about 2 to 3 minutes, for the veggies to soften slightly while maintaining their crunch. Once done, set them aside — they’ll rejoin the party soon.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Turn the heat up to high and add marinated beef to the pan in a single layer, allowing it to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. To avoid overcrowding, cook the beef in batches if needed. This step locks in flavor and gives you that perfect caramelized crust.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Once your beef is seared, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir quickly and cook for about 30 seconds until their intoxicating aromas fill your kitchen, creating the signature scent of this Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Return the sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet with the beef. Pour your prepared sauce over everything and stir well to mix. Let this simmer for 1 to 2 minutes so flavors marry and the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Finally, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook briefly until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and vegetables, giving each bite a luscious, glossy coat.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
For that finishing touch, sprinkle red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions on top if you like. Serve your Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe piping hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles, and get ready to enjoy every delicious forkful.
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make this dish shine even brighter. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch, green onions bring freshness and color, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a little kick. These touches elevate the look and add an exciting layer to the flavor.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak stir-fry pairs perfectly with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. Alternatively, silky noodles or even cauliflower rice work beautifully for a satisfying, well-rounded meal that complements the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir-fry inside crisp lettuce cups or over a bed of steamed quinoa for a modern, healthful spin. You can also pack it into a vibrant stir-fry bowl with an extra drizzle of sauce and your choice of fresh herbs for a restaurant-style presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pepper steak stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure it cools completely before freezing to maintain best quality. It should keep well for up to 2 months, making meal prep that much easier on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly and retains its delicious texture and flavor. Avoid overcooking so the peppers remain crisp and the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are favorites because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin. You can also try skirt steak or even ribeye if you prefer a richer cut, just adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe?
You can easily swap the beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or even sliced mushrooms. Just marinate and cook them similarly to capture maximum flavor. The colorful peppers and savory sauce will shine just as well with plant-based proteins.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes black pepper and optional red pepper flakes, which add a mild to moderate heat level. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or leaving out the red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinating the beef a few hours ahead enhances its flavor. You can also chop the vegetables in advance and prepare the sauce mix, so your cooking process becomes streamlined and stress-free on busy days.
What are the best sides to serve with this stir-fry?
Classic steamed jasmine rice or brown rice is ideal to balance the rich sauce. Noodles like chow mein or udon also pair well. For a lighter option, try serving with steamed veggies or a simple side salad to keep the meal fresh and colorful.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe a try because it offers a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy bold flavors packed with fresh ingredients. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together in a flash, perfect for meals that satisfy both your taste buds and your time. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pepper Steak recipe featuring tender marinated flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons water. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the sliced onions and bell peppers for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: Increase heat to high, add the marinated beef in a single layer to the skillet, and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan with the beef. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked peppers and onions to the pan with the beef. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, melding the flavors together.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions. Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the beef for longer (up to 1 hour) for more intense flavor and tenderness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content in the dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or other quick-cooking beef cuts.
- Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a traditional Asian meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
