There’s something about the sizzle of tender beef and vibrant bell peppers dancing in a hot pan that just makes dinner feel like a celebration. This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe brings bold flavors and quick prep together, perfect for any night when you want something both easy and impressive on your plate.

The image shows a close-up of a stir fry dish in a white bowl with red and green bell pepper strips mixed with dark brown glossy beef slices. The beef pieces are thick and coated in a shiny sauce that covers all the ingredients. The red and green peppers are cut into long thin strips and scattered evenly throughout the bowl, adding bright colors to the dark beef. The texture of the beef looks tender and slightly glossy, while the peppers appear fresh and crunchy. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Friends ask me all the time how I manage to make stir fry taste so fresh and perfectly balanced at home — this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is my secret weapon. From the satisfying bite of flank steak to the pop of sweetness from bell peppers, it really hits the spot.

Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal fast.
Flavor-packed: The combo of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates this irresistible savory sauce that coats every bite.
Healthy and hearty: Lean flank steak keeps it high in protein while fresh peppers add color and crunch.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily tweak veggies and seasonings to suit what you have on hand or craving that day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe plays an important role—from the tender steak providing rich depth to the bell peppers adding a sweet, crisp counterpoint. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why it shines.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with glossy vegetable oil, fresh bright red bell pepper cut into strips, fresh crisp green bell pepper cut into strips, thinly sliced raw flank steak neatly arranged, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with minced garlic, another small white bowl with minced ginger, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl containing granulated sugar, a small white bowl holding fine white cornstarch, sprinkled salt and pepper grains arranged naturally, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is your best friend for stir frying without burning ingredients.
Red and green bell peppers: These bring vibrant color and just the right amount of sweetness and crunch; swapping in yellow or orange peppers works beautifully too.
Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain, this cut cooks quickly and stays tender—just what you want in a stir fry.
Garlic and ginger: These aromatics instantly boost the flavor and add that classic Asian stir fry fragrance we all love.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential, they season the steak perfectly before cooking.
Soy sauce: The umami backbone of the dish, it’s salty and savory with a touch of sweetness.
Sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhances the peppers’ natural sweetness.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce just enough so it clings to every piece of steak and pepper beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add extra veggies, or swap the beef for something else, it’s got your back for a delicious dinner that feels custom made.

Variation: Sometimes I like swapping flank steak for thinly sliced chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian spin — it works great and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Spice it up: Adding a few dashes of chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha gives the dish a nice kick without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Extra crunch: Tossing in chopped water chestnuts or snap peas during the last minute of cooking adds a lovely texture twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a stir-fry dish in a white bowl with a white marbled background. The dish has three main layers: shiny dark brown pieces of cooked meat with a glossy sauce spread throughout, long thin strips of bright red bell peppers, and long thin strips of green bell peppers. A light-colored wooden spatula is mixing the ingredients, pushing some of the meat and peppers upward. The colors are vibrant, and the textures of the meat and vegetables look fresh and moist. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Peppers

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Toss in your sliced red and green bell peppers and stir-fry them just until they start to soften—about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp, so they hold their punch in the final dish. Then, remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Steak

Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and increase the heat to high. While it heats up, season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Spread the steak slices in one layer as much as possible so they brown nicely rather than steam. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes before stirring, then cook altogether for 5 to 6 minutes until you see that beautiful caramelized crust forming on the meat.

Step 3: Flavor Boost with Garlic & Ginger

Once the steak is mostly browned, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for just about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, so those aromatics release all their fragrance without burning—it’s a quick window but totally worth watching closely!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the peppers to the pan with the steak, then whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and ¼ cup water in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the mixture, stirring gently to combine. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat every scrumptious bite.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once the sauce is glossy and thickened, remove from heat and serve immediately. You’ll want to have a bed of jasmine rice or noodles ready to catch all that sauce — trust me, every drop counts here!

Top Tip

I’ve found a few simple tricks that really take this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe from good to unforgettable—things I wish I’d known when I first tossed it together.

Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the flank steak thinly and against the grain is the key to tenderness. It really changes the texture and makes the meat easier to chew.
High Heat & Patience: Let the steak brown undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. It helps develop that rich crust that adds so much flavor.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If your pan is too crowded, the meat will steam instead of sear. I sometimes cook the steak in two batches if needed.
Mix Sauce Well: Whisk the soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water completely to avoid lumps and ensure the sauce thickens evenly.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

pepper steak stir fry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top—these little touches add freshness and nuttiness, plus they make the dish look restaurant-worthy right at home.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to, but sometimes I mix things up with garlic fried rice or even a side of simple stir-fried broccoli. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe inside lettuce cups or over a bed of crispy wonton strips. It turns dinner into an interactive, fun experience that guests always remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it slightly before sealing the container to keep the beef tender and peppers crisp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry a couple of times with success—just lay it flat in a freezer-safe bag and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. The texture might soften a bit but the flavors still shine through.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is stir-frying quickly in a hot pan just until warmed through, or microwaving on medium power in short bursts to avoid overcooking the meat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive some sauciness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best cut of beef for Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?

Flank steak is ideal due to its rich flavor and relatively tender texture when sliced thinly against the grain. You could also use skirt steak or sirloin, but avoid tougher cuts without tenderizing.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Fresh bell peppers are preferable for their crispness, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can make the stir fry soggy.

How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?

Slicing the steak thinly against the grain, cooking it quickly over high heat without overcrowding the pan, and resting it briefly before serving all help keep it tender and juicy.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Double-check other ingredients if you’re making any modifications to keep it safe for gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

There’s a real joy in sharing this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe because it’s approachable yet full of flavor—like a little kitchen hug after a long day. I hope you have just as much fun making it and savor every bite. Trust me, once you get this down, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!