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Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 77 reviews

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak and vibrant bell peppers sautéed to perfection. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a savory soy-based sauce, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stir fry is ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips

Meat

  • 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced (partially freeze for 20–30 minutes to make slicing easier)

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Oils

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peppers: Cut the red and green bell peppers into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking. Having all ingredients prepped beforehand makes the stir fry easier and faster.
  2. Sauté the peppers: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper strips and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become just tender but retain some crispness. Remove the peppers from the skillet and set aside on a plate to prevent overcooking.
  3. Cook the steak: Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to the skillet and season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and cook the steak for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it develops a nice brown crust.
  4. Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger to the steak in the skillet. Cook and stir for about 30 seconds to release their aroma and enhance the overall flavor.
  5. Combine and make sauce: Return the sautéed peppers to the skillet with the steak. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pour this sauce over the meat and vegetables, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the stir fry.

Notes

  • Partially freezing the flank steak before slicing makes it easier to cut thin strips.
  • Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Do not overcook the bell peppers; they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
  • Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
  • You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if preferred.

Keywords: pepper steak, stir fry, flank steak, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Asian stir fry