Steak & Pepper Stir Fry

If you’re craving a fast, flavorful, and protein-packed dinner, this Steak & Pepper Stir Fry is the perfect solution. Juicy strips of tender steak, crisp bell peppers, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce come together in one sizzling pan — ready in under 30 minutes! It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough for guests.

This dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, making every bite irresistible. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, hearty meal your whole family will love.


Why You’ll Love This Steak & Pepper Stir Fry

  • 🥩 Tender, juicy steak seared to perfection.
  • 🌶️ Colorful bell peppers add sweetness, crunch, and nutrition.
  • 🧄 Homemade stir-fry sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and simple to make.
  • ⏱️ Ready in 25 minutes — faster than takeout!
  • 🍚 Versatile — pair it with rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned home cook, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.


Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir Fry:

  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • ¼ cup water or beef broth
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Garnishes:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

  1. Slice the steak thinly against the grain — this ensures tenderness.
  2. In a bowl, toss the steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and oyster sauce. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables.

💡 Tip: If possible, partially freeze the steak for 20 minutes before slicing — it makes cutting thin strips much easier.


Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.

This flavorful sauce gives your stir fry that glossy, restaurant-style finish with a perfect balance of salty and slightly sweet flavors.


Step 3: Stir-Fry the Steak

  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat.
  2. Add half of the steak in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through.
  3. Remove the steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining half. Set aside.

This quick sear locks in the juices and gives the steak a delicious caramelized edge.


Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

  1. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
  2. Toss in sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Your kitchen will smell incredible at this stage!


Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked steak (and any juices) to the pan with the vegetables.
  2. Pour the stir-fry sauce over everything.
  3. Toss to coat evenly and let the sauce thicken for about 1–2 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve your Steak & Pepper Stir Fry hot over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a finishing touch.

Every bite bursts with flavor — tender beef, crunchy peppers, and that glossy, savory sauce tying it all together.


Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry

High Heat is Key: Stir-frying should be fast and hot. Use a wok or large skillet to give ingredients enough space to sear.

Slice the Meat Thin: Thin strips cook quickly and stay tender. Always cut against the grain.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary so your meat sears instead of steams.

Prep Before You Cook: Have all ingredients chopped and ready — stir-frying moves quickly!

Customize the Heat: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha if you love spice.


Variations to Try

  • 🥦 Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry: Add steamed broccoli florets instead of or alongside peppers.
  • 🍜 Noodle Version: Toss the finished stir fry with cooked lo mein or rice noodles.
  • 🧄 Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic and add a touch of chili oil for extra kick.
  • 🧂 Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt.
  • 🥕 Extra Veggies: Try mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for more color and texture.

What to Serve With Steak & Pepper Stir Fry

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors:

  • Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice – a classic choice.
  • Fried Rice or Quinoa – for extra texture and flavor.
  • Stir-Fried Noodles – lo mein or rice noodles work perfectly.
  • Asian Cucumber Salad – adds a refreshing crunch.
  • Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – for a takeout-style meal at home.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
  • Freeze: You can freeze cooked steak and sauce (without the peppers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and add fresh veggies when reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 370
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 7g

This meal is high in protein, balanced, and loaded with vitamins from those colorful peppers — a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat wholesome without sacrificing flavor.


Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Steak & Pepper Stir Fry so special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The marinated beef ensures tenderness, the vibrant peppers add natural sweetness, and the sauce ties it all together with umami perfection.

It’s everything you love about takeout — fast, flavorful, and satisfying — but made with fresh, clean ingredients right in your own kitchen.


Final Thoughts

When you need a dinner that’s quick, delicious, and sure to impress, this Steak & Pepper Stir Fry delivers every time. It’s a healthy, customizable meal that proves you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something amazing.

From the juicy steak to the glossy sauce coating every vegetable, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast — so you might want to make extra!

Grab your wok, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a stir fry that’s bold, colorful, and absolutely crave-worthy. 🥩🔥🌶️

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Steak & Pepper Stir Fry


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
• Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the steak: In a bowl, toss sliced steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce and a pinch of cornstarch. Let sit 10–15 minutes.
  2. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over high heat. Add steak in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Sauté onion and bell peppers 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Make the sauce: Whisk together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, cornstarch, and broth.
  6. Pour sauce into the pan. Simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  7. Return steak to the pan. Toss gently to coat and heat through.
  8. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Fast, bold, and restaurant-quality at home!

💡 Make it vegetarian: Swap steak for tofu or tempeh.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 10 mins , Total Time : 25 mins , Servings : 4 , Calories : 280 , Net Carbs: 14g , Fats: 14g , Protein: 26g

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