Pepper Steak Stir-Fry – Quick & Easy Recipe

There’s something about a quick and easy stir-fry that makes it an absolute lifesaver on busy days. This 15-Minute Pepper Steak Stir-Fry checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, incredibly easy to make, and packed with tender steak, vibrant peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce that’s just irresistible. If you’re craving a homemade meal that feels as good as takeout without the extra cost or wait, this recipe is going to be your new go-to.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to whip up this dish. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and just 15 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have dinner ready faster than you can decide what to order from a restaurant. So whether it’s a busy weeknight, a last-minute dinner plan, or you’re just looking for a quick and healthy meal, this pepper steak stir-fry is here to save the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has become a favorite in my house, and I promise it’ll be a hit in yours, too. Here’s why:

• Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for hectic nights.
• Packed with flavor: The savory-sweet sauce, combined with tender steak and colorful peppers, hits all the right notes.
• Healthy and balanced: Loaded with protein, veggies, and a homemade sauce, it’s healthier than takeout but tastes just as good.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap in your favorite veggies, or even make it low-carb.
• Minimal cleanup: One skillet, minimal mess, and a happy, satisfied family.

You’ll love how this pepper steak stir-fry strikes the perfect balance between hearty, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, the colorful peppers make the dish visually stunning—perfect for those nights when you want dinner to look just as good as it tastes.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2-3 servings

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this simple and satisfying pepper steak stir-fry:

For the Steak and Veggies:

• 8 oz (225g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Sauce:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce for some heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a flavorful pepper steak stir-fry ready in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

To start, combine the sauce ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, Sriracha, and cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps, and the sauce is well mixed.

This sauce is the magic that brings the dish together. The combination of salty soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, a touch of spice, and fragrant sesame oil creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Bell Peppers

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red and green bell peppers and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Stir them frequently to ensure they don’t burn, but still retain a slight crunch.

Once they’re slightly tender but still bright and colorful, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You’ll add them back in later!

Step 3: Sear the Flank Steak

Turn the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer.

• Tip: Searing the steak on high heat ensures it gets a nice, brown crust while staying tender on the inside.

Cook the steak for about 1-2 minutes per side, just enough to brown it and seal in the juices. Once it’s no longer pink and has a beautiful sear on both sides, reduce the heat to medium-high.

If you’re using a thicker cut of meat, like sirloin, you may need to cook it for an additional minute or two.

Step 4: Add the Peppers and Sauce

Now that the steak is cooked, add the bell peppers back into the skillet. Pour the sauce you prepared earlier over the steak and peppers.

Stir everything together to coat the meat and peppers evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken. The cornstarch helps create a glossy, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the steak and veggies.

• Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an additional minute to thicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is thick and everything is perfectly coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your pepper steak stir-fry with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and a beautiful finishing touch.

Serve the stir-fry immediately over:

• Steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
• Rice noodles for a fun twist.
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

And there you have it—dinner is served! ❤️

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir-Fry

This dish is incredibly versatile, so here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Serve it over fluffy steamed rice—the sauce seeps into the rice, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Pair it with noodles, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes for a unique twist.
• Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for an extra boost of greens.
• Serve with crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a complete “takeout” experience at home.

Additional Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry

Here are some tips to help you nail this recipe every time:

1. Slice the steak thinly: Always cut the flank steak against the grain for the most tender results. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines in the meat.
2. Prep everything before cooking: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all your ingredients sliced, whisked, and ready to go.
3. Don’t overcook the peppers: You want them tender but still crisp for the best texture. A quick 1-2 minutes is all you need.
4. Adjust the spice level: If you love heat, add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, use less hot sauce.
5. Let the sauce thicken: Simmering for a minute or two with the cornstarch will give you that perfect, glossy sauce.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are a few variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken, shrimp, or even tofu instead of steak. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add more veggies: Stir in snap peas, broccoli, carrots, or baby corn for extra nutrition and color.
• Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
• Sweet and spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness, or a splash of chili oil for extra heat.
• Gluten-free option: Replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pepper steak stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe, but here are a few that can make it even easier:

• Sharp knife: To thinly slice the steak against the grain.
• Large skillet or wok: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying.
• Tongs: Great for flipping the steak and mixing everything together.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak work well. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

2. What can I use instead of Sriracha?
You can use any hot sauce you like or skip it entirely for a mild version. Chili garlic sauce is another great option.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and slice the steak and peppers in advance. Cook everything when you’re ready to eat for the best results.

4. How do I make the dish low-carb?
Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.

5. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Fresh peppers work best for this recipe, but frozen peppers can be used in a pinch. Just cook them a little longer to remove excess water.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free 15-Minute Pepper Steak Stir-Fry that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender steak, crisp bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce that’s to die for, this dish is bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how it turns out for you.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade pepper steak stir-fry! 🍽️

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