Name: Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds flank steak (or sirloin steak, sliced thinly against the grain); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ⅔ cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos); ⅔ cup beef stock; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ginger paste; 2 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided); 1 small yellow onion (sliced); 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant color, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, this Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Tender slices of steak, crisp bell peppers, and a luscious savory sauce come together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a meal that feels homemade but comes together effortlessly. The beauty lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient shines, creating that perfect balance between hearty and fresh that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a clear bowl filled with thin sliced red flank steak that has visible marbling. To the right, there are two clear glass measuring cups, one with dark soy sauce and the other with brownish beef broth. Below the steak bowl, smaller glass bowls contain light brown sugar, white cornstarch, dark oyster sauce, pale yellow ginger paste, and light minced garlic. On the bottom left, two whole bell peppers, one red and one green, are placed next to a small white onion. At the bottom right, there is a small glass cup with dark amber sesame oil. The colors are vibrant and the containers are transparent, showing the textures and layers clearly. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe calls for straightforward yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its signature taste and texture. From the tender steak to the fresh bell peppers, every element adds depth and mouthwatering appeal.

Flank steak (1 ½ pounds): Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon + ⅔ cup low sodium): Adds savory umami flavor, with the low sodium option helping balance saltiness.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons total): Used both in marinating and sauce to create that silky, thickened coat.
Sesame oil (3 tablespoons total): Delivers a toasty aroma and richness in every stir-fry step.
Beef stock (⅔ cup): Brings depth and a subtle meaty undertone to the sauce.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Gives a touch of natural sweetness that balances savory and tangy notes.
Ginger paste (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, spicy zing that brightens each bite.
Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Enriches the mixture with complex, savory flavors typical of Asian cooking.
Yellow onion (1 small, sliced): Offers subtle sweetness and texture contrast to the peppers.
Red and green bell peppers (1 each, sliced): Provide refreshing crunch and vibrant color that make this dish pop.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Delivers pungent, aromatic depth to the stir-fry.

How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by combining the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. This simple marinade tenderizes the beef and lays the groundwork for that wonderful velvety texture the dish is famous for. If you have time, pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes – your steak will be even more flavorful and tender. If you’re in a rush, don’t worry, you can skip this step and go straight to cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, beef stock, brown sugar, ginger paste, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This sauce is the magical component that makes your pepper steak stir-fry so crave-worthy, blending sweet, savory, and umami notes into a luscious glaze.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and sear for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned and just cooked through. Removing the steak now keeps it tender instead of overcooking during the veggie stir-fry.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, pour in the remaining sesame oil and toss in the sliced onion and colorful bell peppers. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re crisp-tender, retaining that fresh snap that balances the rich steak. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, letting its aroma infuse the veggies perfectly without burning.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the steak to the skillet along with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to that perfect sticky glaze and the whole dish heats through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your piping hot Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe over fluffy steamed rice, chewy noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. This dish is a fantastic crowd-pleaser with its stunning colors and bold flavors shining in every bite.

How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe

A frying pan filled with cooked red and green bell pepper strips mixed with small bits of light brown onion, all slightly shiny from oil and seasoning. The peppers are cut into long thin strips, spread in one layer inside the pan. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partly touching the peppers. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions brings fresh crunch and visual appeal, making your pepper steak look as good as it tastes. These simple touches elevate the dish and add bursts of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce. For a hearty twist, serve alongside garlic fried rice or simple stir-fried noodles. Vegetables like sautéed bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad also complement the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the stir-fry in colorful bell pepper “boats” or on top of a bed of greens for a lighter meal. You can also turn this into a delicious pepper steak lettuce wrap feast — just spoon it into crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy each bite packed with flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe retains its texture and flavor beautifully, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner solution.

Freezing

You can freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, separate the steak and vegetables from any rice or noodles to maintain their best texture after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts to keep the steak tender and the vegetables crisp-tender. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak make excellent alternatives. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Is it necessary to marinate the steak?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor but is optional if you’re short on time. You’ll still get a delicious stir-fry without it, especially if you slice the beef thinly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute and check the oyster sauce label or use a gluten-free alternative to keep it safe and flavorful.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little brown sugar can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?

Definitely! Snow peas, broccoli florets, snap peas, or mushrooms all pair wonderfully and add even more color and nutrition to this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe is a real winner when you want a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Its bright veggies, tender beef, and rich sauce come together in perfect harmony to make every forkful a delight. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!