If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that can be made in just 30 minutes, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry is the perfect choice. Packed with colorful bell peppers and tender strips of beef, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a flavorful dinner without a long prep time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a flavorful way to enjoy beef and vegetables in one easy dish. It’s perfect for families or those who may be new to cooking, thanks to its straightforward steps and short cooking time. Using tender flank steak, combined with fresh bell peppers and a savory sauce, makes this stir fry reliable and appealing to everyone at the table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to any tastes or preferences!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful stir fry, gather these ingredients:
- 1 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable)
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 2 lbs flank steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. If you want to add some heat, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. You can also swap out the flank steak for chicken or even use tofu for a vegetarian option. For additional flavor, experiment with different vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
Equipment Needed
- Wok or large skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and corn starch until smooth. This sauce will add depth and sweetness to your stir fry. Once mixed, set it aside for later.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
Preheat your wok or large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced red and green bell peppers. Cook the peppers for about 3 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly golden. Remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Beef
Increase the heat to high and add the beef strips to the pan. Sauté the meat for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Add the pressed garlic and grated ginger to the beef, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Return the cooked peppers to the pan, then pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything to coat evenly and cook for another 2–4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Remove from heat and serve your Pepper Steak Stir Fry alongside your favorite grain or noodle.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your stir fry turns out perfectly, consider the following:
- Cut the beef and vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use high heat to achieve a nice sear on the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the beef in batches.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar to your taste.
- Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Flavor Variations
If you’re looking to spice things up a bit, here are some ideas to customize your stir fry:
- Add a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
- Mix in some sliced mushrooms for added earthiness.
- Incorporate bok choy for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Steamed rice or jasmine rice
- Noodles, such as lo mein or ramen
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Salad for a refreshing side
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This stir fry can also be made ahead of time and reheated. For longer storage, freeze any leftovers for up to two months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
Pepper Steak Stir Fry
Ingredients
For the stir fry
- 1 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable) For sautéing.
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 2 lbs flank steak, cut into thin strips Can be substituted with chicken or tofu.
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce Choose gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 1 tbsp corn starch For thickening the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and corn starch until smooth. Set aside for later.
Cooking
- Preheat a wok or large skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced red and green bell peppers. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft and slightly golden, then remove from the pan.
- Increase heat to high and add the beef strips. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the pressed garlic and grated ginger to the beef and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked peppers to the pan, then pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss to coat evenly and cook for another 2–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and serve alongside your favorite grain or noodle.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts, such as sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to cut the meat into thin strips for quick cooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this stir fry gluten-free, choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed, based on the vegetables you choose.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not spicy as is but you can add heat by including red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños if you enjoy spice.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it up while cooking.
