Name: Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame oil (divided); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 1 small yellow onion (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; ½ cup low-sodium beef broth; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for sauce thickening); cooked white rice for serving

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If you’ve ever wanted a lightning-fast dinner with irresistible flavor, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. You’ll get juicy slices of steak bathed in a glossy, savory sauce, plenty of crisp-tender bell peppers, and a zippy blend of garlic and ginger—all in just half an hour. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply craving takeout at home, this colorful stir fry is pure umami bliss from the very first bite.

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is all about letting a handful of everyday ingredients shine. Each staple is chosen to bring a pop of color, a layer of savory depth, or that satisfying steakhouse tenderness to your dinner plate.

Flank steak or sirloin (1 ½ pounds): Thinly slicing against the grain makes the beef especially tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): This classic base creates a salty, umami punch for the marinade and sauce.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds mouthwatering richness and a subtle sweetness that’s truly signature.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a sweet-spicy hint that rounds out the flavors—don’t skip it if you want depth!
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, plus more for thickening): Makes that irresistible, silky sauce cling to every bite of steak and veggies.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon, divided): Adds a nutty fragrance that anchors the dish in classic stir-fry territory.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Gives a neutral base for high-heat cooking, ensuring quick browning minus burnt bits.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Packs in sweetness and vibrant color.
Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers a slightly grassy bite that keeps every forkful interesting.
Small yellow onion (1, sliced): Brings mellow sweetness and caramelizes beautifully.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Instantly infuses the stir fry with signature warmth and aroma.
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Bright and peppery, it wakes up the whole dish.
Low-sodium beef broth (½ cup): Builds a savory background and keeps everything nice and saucy.
Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce to lush perfection right at the end.
Cooked white rice (for serving): Lightly sticky grains make the ideal base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and a scoop of cornstarch. Give it a good mix so every piece gets generously coated. Let this marinate for 15 to 20 minutes while you prep the veggies—this little pause transforms the steak into tender bites bursting with layers of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat half of your sesame oil along with the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lay the steak slices in a single layer, working in batches if needed, to keep the pan hot and the beef succulent. Sear each side for two to three minutes, just until nicely browned. Once done, transfer the steak to a plate—you’ll return it soon for the final flavor party!

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Using that same skillet, add the remaining sesame oil. Toss in the bell peppers and onion, then stir-fry for three to four minutes. You’re looking for a “tender-crisp” texture here—the veggies should still have a bit of bite and vibrant color. In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add the minced garlic and grated ginger; let the kitchen fill with their appetizing aromas.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Return the seared steak to your skillet. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry, mixing well. Give it a minute or two for the sauce to thicken up beautifully, bubbling into a glossy glaze that clings to each piece of steak and pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the finished pepper steak stir fry generously over bowls of hot steamed white rice. The contrast of fresh, crisp veggies and juicy steak against that fluffy rice is comfort food at its finest—grab your chopsticks or favorite fork and dig in!

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and crunch. You can also give a quick twist of cracked black pepper just before serving to amplify that irresistible peppery finish.

Side Dishes

While this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe tastes amazing over classic white rice, you can switch things up with brown rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for something lighter. Some people love serving it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas for boosted veggie power.

Creative Ways to Present

Try folding the stir fry into lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held version, or stuff it into warm bao buns for a playful, Asian-inspired twist. For entertaining, serve it family-style on a large platter, surrounded by bowls of extra rice and toppings, letting everyone build their own perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe tasting fresh, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days—the flavors actually develop a little more after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

If you want to make this dish in advance, freeze the cooled stir fry (without rice) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. For best results, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and loss of flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring between each, until everything is steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are both wonderful, but you can also try skirt steak, ribeye, or even thinly sliced New York strip. The trick is to slice against the grain for ultimate tenderness.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the steak for firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. You’ll still get all the beautiful saucy goodness—just with a plant-based twist.

How spicy is this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?

By default, it’s mild and family-friendly. If you love heat, add some sliced fresh chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir fry, or offer chili garlic sauce on the side for those who want to spice things up.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice the steak and chop all your vegetables a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated in separate containers until you’re ready to cook for maximum weeknight ease.

What kind of rice goes best with this stir fry?

Classic steamed white rice is a favorite, but jasmine or basmati rice are also delicious choices. For added texture, try serving with quinoa or even spooning the stir fry over tender rice noodles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that delivers bold flavor, tender steak, and crisp veggies all in one skillet, you simply have to try this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. Go ahead and gather your ingredients—you’ll be amazed at how quick, colorful, and downright satisfying homemade stir fry can be!

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender strips of beef are marinated in a savory sauce, then stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions. Serve this delicious stir fry over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinated Beef:

1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame oil (divided)

Stir Fry:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 small yellow onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ cup low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for sauce thickening)
cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

Marinate Beef: Toss sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Stir-Fry: Heat ½ tablespoon sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Sear marinated beef until browned. Set aside. Stir-fry bell peppers and onion until crisp-tender. Add garlic and ginger. Return beef to the pan, pour in beef broth, and simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
Serve hot over steamed rice.