If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a quick and fuss-free way to bring tender, juicy beef and crisp bell peppers together in a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. You’ll love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into an irresistible weeknight meal that feels special yet comes together in no time. Let me share with you how to make this delightful stir fry that will likely become one of your favorite go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and everyday staples, each playing an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the vibrant bell peppers to the savory soy sauce blend, every component adds something special.
- 1.5 pounds Beef top sirloin steak: Choose this cut for its great flavor and tender texture when sliced thin.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef without overpowering it.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that keeps the dish lively.
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce: The salty-sweet backbone of the sauce that ties everything together.
- 1/3 cup Water: Helps to balance the sauce and keep it just the right consistency.
- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch: The secret to a perfectly thick and glossy sauce that clings to the steak and veggies.
- 1 tablespoon Rice wine vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang that brightens the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons Packed brown sugar: Offers a deep sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper: Boosts the peppery kick, making the flavors pop.
- 2 teaspoons Ground ginger: Provides warmth and a hint of zest that elevate the stir fry.
- 4 Tablespoons Vegetable oil (divided): Used for searing the steak and sautéing the vegetables to perfection.
- 1 Onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a mild bite that cooks down tender and tasty.
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced): Offers an aromatic punch to round out the flavor profile.
- 2 Green bell peppers (thinly sliced): Bring fresh crunch and a slightly grassy note.
- 1 Red bell pepper (thinly sliced): For sweetness and a vibrant pop of color on the plate.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by patting the thin slices of sirloin steak dry with a paper towel—this step helps the meat sear beautifully instead of steaming. Sprinkle the steak lightly with kosher salt and a dash of black pepper to season it perfectly before it hits the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, packed brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger. This mixture is the magic that makes the sauce thick, flavorful, and irresistibly glossy, coating every ingredient in savory goodness.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak slices in an even layer and let them cook untouched for 2 to 3 minutes, developing a beautiful sear. Once browned, remove the steak to a separate plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables and Sauce
Add the remaining oil to the same skillet, then toss in the thinly sliced onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir everything together while pouring in the prepared sauce mixture. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables soften but still keep some snap.
Step 5: Combine Steak with Vegetables
Bring the seared steak back into the pan, mixing it thoroughly with the coated veggies and sauce. Let everything cook together while stirring for another 2 minutes so all the flavors meld and the steak heats through wonderfully.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this dish to restaurant-quality in seconds. Try sprinkling freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for a touch of freshness and a little crunch. A wedge of lime on the side adds a bright contrast if you like a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
While the Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe shines on its own, pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or even brown rice adds heartiness. For extra veggies, a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or some steamed bok choy makes an excellent, light accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce wraps, letting each person spoon their portion into crisp leaves for a refreshing handheld meal. You can also pile it atop fried rice or noodles to turn this classic into different exciting variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pepper steak stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the texture of bell peppers might soften further after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short increments to prevent overcooking the beef or vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for the Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is preferred for tenderness, you can also use flank steak or ribeye. Just slice thinly across the grain for the best texture.
What can I substitute for rice wine vinegar?
If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar works well as a substitute. Just use slightly less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is this stir fry recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild peppery kick from black pepper but is not spicy hot. You can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
How do I get the sauce thick and glossy?
The combination of cornstarch and simmering in the sauce mixture ensures a smooth, thick coating. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch into the liquid completely to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, blending simple ingredients into a flavorful, colorful dish that feels like a special treat any day of the week. I’m confident once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to turn to when you want something delicious and satisfying without the fuss. Happy cooking!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
Description
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender beef sirloin slices sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce made from soy, ginger, and brown sugar. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and peppery flavors served over fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds Beef top sirloin steak, cut into thin 2-inch long slices
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 1/3 cup Water
- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
Vegetables and Oil
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil, divided
- 1 Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 2 Green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Lightly pat the cut steak with a paper towel to remove the excess liquid and then sprinkle it evenly with kosher salt and black pepper to season.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and then the seasoned steak slices. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is nicely seared on the outside but still tender inside. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside temporarily.
- Cook the Vegetables and Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine Steak and Vegetables: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir everything together until the steak is well coated with the thickened sauce and warmed through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the pepper steak stir fry over freshly cooked white rice and enjoy your flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- You may substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer a less spicy pepper flavor, adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles depending on your preference.
- Cooked steak can be slightly pink in the center if seared quickly for tenderness, but ensure beef is cooked to your desired doneness.
