After a long day filled with meetings and deadlines, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a sizzling skillet filling your kitchen. Picture this: vibrant bell peppers dancing alongside tender strips of flank steak, all swathed in a thick, savory sauce that beckons you closer. This quick and easy pepper steak stir-fry is more than just a recipe; it’s your ticket to a satisfying home-cooked meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Not only does it pack a flavor punch that rivals your favorite takeout, but it also offers the versatility to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or showcasing your skills for Friday night guests, this dish is bound to impress. So grab your chef’s knife, and let’s bring the magic of stir-frying into your home!
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe
Simplicity at its best: This pepper steak stir-fry is delightfully easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful appeal: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger provides an irresistible umami kick that will have everyone at the table raving.
- Quick cooking: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Versatile ingredients: Customize this dish based on what you have in your fridge – feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins!
- One-pot wonder: Enjoy less mess and effortless cleanup with this all-in-one skillet meal.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish guarantees compliments all around!
Dive into your culinary adventure with this irresistible pepper steak stir-fry today!
Pepper Steak Ingredients
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For the Sauce
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Reduced-sodium soy sauce – Provides saltiness and depth of flavor; consider gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
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Rice wine vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness; can substitute with apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
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Light brown sugar – For sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s flavor profile; white sugar can be used as an alternative.
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Cornstarch – Acts as a thickener for the sauce; use arrowroot powder as a substitution if desired.
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For the Stir-Fry
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Vegetable oil – Used for cooking the steak and peppers; can be replaced with sesame oil for added flavor.
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Flank steak – A lean cut perfect for stir-frying; substitute with sirloin or skirt steak if needed.
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Green and red bell peppers – Add color, crunch, and sweetness; any bell pepper variety works well; can substitute with zucchini or snap peas.
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Garlic – Essential for enhancing flavor; fresh is preferable, but dried can be used in less quantity.
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Ginger – Brings a warmth and zest to the dish; fresh is ideal, but powdered is a good backup.
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Cooked white rice – Serves as a base for the stir-fry; brown rice or rice noodles can be alternatives.
Embrace the robust flavors and customizable nature of this pepper steak stir-fry!
How to Make Pepper Steak Stir-Fry
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, light brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. This forms the flavorful base of your stir-fry!
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Cook the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and sauté for about 8 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned. This will ensure a tender texture; then, set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add any remaining oil to the skillet and sauté the green and red bell peppers for approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, then cook for an additional minute until fragrant and slightly softened.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious coating. Adjust with salt and pepper if desired.
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Serve: Plate your delicious stir-fry over a bed of cooked white rice, making sure each serving is adorned with a generous amount of the rich sauce.
Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pepper Steak Variations
Feel free to personalize your pepper steak stir-fry with these delightful twists. Embrace your culinary creativity!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for a safe, delicious option.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in snow peas, carrots, or broccoli for added color and nutrition; they’re perfect for a hearty texture.
- Protein Swap: Use diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of flank steak for a different protein profile that everyone will enjoy.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup along with some red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Zesty Citrus: A splash of lime or lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
- Rice Noodle Base: Swap out the rice for rice noodles for a delightful twist; simply stir-fry them right along with your veggies!
- Heat it Up: Incorporate Sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the sauce mix for those who love a spicy adventure.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh basil or cilantro as a garnish to finish your dish with aromatic notes that elevate the meal.
Discover how simple changes can elevate your classic pepper steak!
Make Ahead Options
These pepper steak stir-fry ingredients are perfect for meal prep! You can slice the flank steak and bell peppers up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating them separately in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and color. Additionally, the sauce can be whisked together ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, all components are ready when you are! When it’s time to cook, simply heat your skillet, stir-fry the steak until browned, sauté the peppers, then add everything together with the sauce for a quick, weeknight meal that’s just as delicious as if you made it from scratch that day. Enjoy the time savings!
What to Serve with Pepper Steak Stir-Fry?
Enhancing your dining experience is all about striking the perfect balance of flavors and textures beside your delectable stir-fry.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, this classic accompaniment absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, providing a delightful base for the pepper steak.
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Garlic Broccoli: The slight bitterness of steamed broccoli complements the sweetness of the stir-fry, adding a nutritious crunch that elevates the meal.
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Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crisp, a cucumber salad drizzled with sesame oil and rice vinegar adds a cooling contrast to the heat of the ginger and garlic.
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Sesame Noodles: Tossed in a light soy and sesame dressing, these slippery noodles offer a delicious twist that enhances the Asian-inspired theme of your dinner.
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Thai Spring Rolls: Filled with fresh veggies and served with a tangy dipping sauce, these rolls bring an added layer of freshness and texture to the table.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a cozy, umami-rich starter that pairs perfectly with the pepper steak, packing each spoonful with flavor.
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Chardonnay or Riesling: A chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Riesling, will harmonize with the dish’s rich flavors while adding a slight fruitiness to the meal.
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Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finish, a creamy chocolate mousse offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of your pepper steak, leaving your taste buds rejoicing!
Expert Tips for Pepper Steak
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Slice Against the Grain: For maximum tenderness, always slice the flank steak against the grain, which helps break down the muscle fibers.
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Thinning the Sauce: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or broth while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
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Marinate for Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the steak in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking.
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Fresh Aromatics: Use fresh garlic and ginger rather than dried for a richer flavor; they really elevate the taste of your pepper steak stir-fry.
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Veggies Variety: Feel free to add in other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots to enhance nutritional value and add different textures to your dish.
How to Store and Freeze Pepper Steak
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Fridge: Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: Reheat thawed pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to reacquaint the sauce’s delicious consistency. Enjoy it hot over fresh rice!
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Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the sauce and slice the steak a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. This makes cooking the stir-fry a breeze on busy weeknights!
Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best flank steak for my pepper steak?
Absolutely! Look for flank steak that is bright red in color, with minimal dark spots and a good amount of marbling. The marbling helps keep the meat juicy when cooked. If you see any dark spots all over, it may not be fresh.
How should I store leftover pepper steak?
You can refrigerate leftover pepper steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing, as this prevents condensation from making the dish soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet!
Can I freeze pepper steak stir-fry?
Yes, you can! Place the cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe bag or container and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as instructed.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens up too much while cooking, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of water or low-sodium broth, stirring continuously until you reach your preferred consistency. This will help to rejuvenate the glossy texture and ensure every bite is delicious.
Are there any dietary considerations for making pepper steak?
When making pepper steak, if you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance, opt for gluten-free soy sauce. Additionally, be cautious with garlic and ginger allergies—check your personal preferences! If cooking for pets, it’s best to keep this dish off their plates, as ingredients like soy sauce are not pet-friendly.
How can I make this dish more versatile?
Feel free to adapt the recipe! You can swap out the flank steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian offering. Plus, toss in any veggies you have on hand, like snap peas or broccoli, to boost the nutrition and add a colorful array to your stir-fry!
Pepper Steak Stir-Fry: Savor a Quick and Delicious Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, light brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and sauté for about 8 minutes, until nicely browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining oil, and sauté the bell peppers for approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir and let it cook for about 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Plate the stir-fry over a bed of cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.