Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and delicious dish made with tender flank steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Asian-inspired recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s even better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
• Flavorful: Packed with bold flavors from garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste.
• Healthy and Balanced: Full of protein and colorful veggies for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
• 1 ¼ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

Directions

Cook the Peppers

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the red and green bell peppers to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
3. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Cook the Steak

4. Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Season the flank steak with salt and pepper.
5. Increase the heat to high and add the steak to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is lightly browned.

Add Aromatics

6. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Make the Sauce

7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.

Combine and Finish

8. Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak. Pour the sauce over the steak and peppers.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serve

10. Serve the pepper steak stir fry hot, over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Options: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or onions for more variety.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
• Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin or skirt steak are great alternatives to flank steak.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

3. How do I ensure tender beef slices?

Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.

4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, mix the sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use. Stir before adding to the pan.

5. What can I serve with this stir fry?

Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or a side of steamed broccoli.

6. Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, just thaw and drain excess water before cooking.

7. How do I thicken the sauce if needed?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix an additional 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the pan.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent proper browning.

9. Can I add sesame oil?

A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a nutty flavor to the dish.

10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its tender steak, crisp peppers, and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Customize it to suit your taste and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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