I’ve always been a huge fan of Chinese takeout, but my pepper steak stir fry recipe has completely changed the game for me. It’s incredibly quick to put together, packed with savory flavors, and the results are so much better than anything I can get delivered. The combination of tender steak, crisp peppers, and a rich, glossy sauce makes this a weeknight dinner I return to again and again. Honestly, once you see how easy it is, you’ll be making it all the time too.You can also enjoy similar comfort-food creativity with the Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread Recipe.

Ingredients for Pepper Steak

This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients to create its signature flavor. Using the right cut of steak and fresh vegetables will make a significant difference in the final dish.

1 tbsp vegetable oil – You’ll use this in two stages, first for the peppers and then for searing the steak. A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is perfect.
1 red bell pepper – I love the sweetness and vibrant color red peppers add. Be sure to core, seed, and cut it into thin strips for even cooking.
1 green bell pepper – This adds a slightly more savory, earthy flavor that contrasts nicely with the red pepper. Slice it to the same thickness as the red one.
1 1/4 lbs flank steak – Flank steak is my top choice because it’s lean, flavorful, and becomes very tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Sirloin steak is a great alternative.
2 tsp minced garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic flavor. You can use the pre-minced jarred kind in a pinch, but the fresh stuff is worth the effort.
1 tsp minced ginger – Like garlic, fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty kick that is essential to the stir fry. A small piece is all you need.
Salt and pepper to taste – Use these to season the steak just before it hits the hot pan. Freshly ground black pepper is always my preference.
1/4 cup soy sauce – This is the backbone of the sauce, providing a salty, umami flavor. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
1 1/2 tbsp sugar – A little sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and helps create that classic savory-sweet stir fry sauce.
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch – This is the key to a thick, glossy sauce that coats every piece of steak and pepper beautifully.

Note: The quantities listed will provide approximately four servings.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this stir fry is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few ideas to customize the recipe to your liking.

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you have on hand. Sliced onions, broccoli florets, snow peas, or sliced mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Add them with the bell peppers.
Switch Up the Protein: If you’re not in the mood for beef, this recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced chicken breast or pork loin. You can also use shrimp, but add them at the very end of cooking, as they cook very quickly.. You can also explore other hearty dishes like Steak Queso Rice Recipe for a different take on steak-based meals.
Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture. You could also toss in a few dried red chilies with the garlic and ginger.
Flavor Boosters: A teaspoon of sesame oil added to the sauce will provide a nutty, aromatic depth. For extra umami, consider adding a tablespoon of oyster sauce along with the soy sauce.

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe — Credit [Pinterest]

Cooking Time

This dish comes together surprisingly fast, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy tools to make this stir fry. A few kitchen basics will do the trick.

Large Pan or Wok: A wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its high, sloped sides, but a large skillet will also work perfectly.
Sharp Knife: This is crucial for slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain.
Cutting Board: Use one board for the vegetables and a separate one for the raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.
Small Bowl: You’ll need this to whisk together the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan.
Spatula or Tongs: For stirring and tossing the ingredients in the hot pan.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry

This recipe is all about a fast cooking process over high heat. Preparing all your ingredients before you start cooking (a technique called mise en place) is the key to success.

1. Cook the Peppers

First, heat one teaspoon of the vegetable oil in your large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a slight crunch. Once cooked, remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

2. Sear the Steak

Add the remaining vegetable oil to the now-empty pan. Season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Turn the heat up to high, and once the pan is very hot, carefully add the steak in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s nicely browned.

3. Add Aromatics

Now, it’s time to build flavor. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn, as this can happen quickly on high heat.

4. Combine and Make the Sauce

Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak and give everything a good toss to combine. In your small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

5. Simmer and Thicken

Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and peppers. Bring the entire dish to a simmer, stirring gently. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and turn into a beautiful glaze that coats all the ingredients. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this pepper steak from good to great.

I always put my flank steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the meat just enough to make getting those paper-thin slices much easier.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re searing the steak. If you have too much meat in the pan at once, it will steam instead of brown. I cook my steak in two batches if necessary to ensure a perfect sear.
I find that the sauce is where you can really make this dish your own. I sometimes add a dash of rice vinegar for a little tang or a spoonful of hoisin sauce for more complexity.
Make sure your pan is really hot before you add the steak. A screaming hot pan is the secret to getting that delicious, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry

This versatile dish can be served in several delicious ways. My go-to is to spoon it over a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. For a lower-carb option, it’s fantastic with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even just by itself.

For presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or some thinly sliced green onions. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the steak.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this pepper steak stir fry.

Calories: 277 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fat: 10 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for meal prep, and leftovers are just as tasty the next day. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your pepper steak.

Storing

Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making leftovers extra delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze pepper steak, but the texture of the bell peppers may become softer upon reheating. To freeze, let it cool completely, place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and store it for up to 2 months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat pepper steak is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this pepper steak stir fry will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

It’s incredibly fast. From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Better than takeout. This homemade version tastes fresher and more vibrant than most restaurant versions. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, like the amount of salt and sugar.
Easy to customize. You can easily swap vegetables or proteins based on what you have available. It’s a great “clean out the fridge” kind of meal that is delicious every time.
Packed with amazing flavor. The combination of tender, savory steak, crisp-tender peppers, and a rich, glossy sauce is simply irresistible. It hits all the right notes of salty, sweet, and umami.