There’s something deeply satisfying about a homemade stir fry that’s quick, colorful, and full of flavor. This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe hits all those marks with tender flank steak, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

This close-up image shows a stir-fry dish in a white bowl, filled mainly with dark brown pieces of beef that are glossy and covered in sauce. Mixed in are bright, crisp strips of red and green bell peppers, cut into long sticks, spread evenly on and around the beef. The beef looks tender with a shiny texture from the sauce, which adds a slight wet look to the whole dish. The background is a white marbled surface, and the colors of the peppers and beef stand out clearly. 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

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it’s fast, fuss-free, and impossibly tasty. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just want a meal that feels homemade without hours in the kitchen, this dish comes through every time.

Speedy Prep and Cook Time: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for nights when you want something homemade but quick.
Balanced Flavors: The mix of savory soy sauce, a hint of sweetness, and fresh garlic and ginger creates mouthwatering complexity.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these staples in your pantry, so no last-minute store runs needed.
Customizable and Versatile: Easy to swap veggies or adjust sweetness and salt to suit your taste buds perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe is how each ingredient plays a role in creating a harmonious stir fry. From the tender steak to the crisp bell peppers and the glossy sauce, every element makes the dish shine. Here’s why each is worth paying attention to:

Flat lay of a fresh whole red bell pepper, a fresh whole green bell pepper, thinly sliced raw flank steak neatly arranged, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a few cloves of fresh garlic with peeled slices, a small piece of ginger root with a peeled section, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing white cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns 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: Neutral flavor and high smoke point, perfect for stir frying at high heat without burning.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness to balance the savory steak.
Green bell pepper: Offers a slight bitterness that adds depth and contrast to the dish.
Flank steak: Lean and flavorful, slices thinly to cook quickly while staying tender.
Minced garlic: Provides aromatic punch that infuses the dish with warmth.
Minced ginger: Adds a bright, slightly spicy note that lifts the overall flavor.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the steak and peppers.
Soy sauce: Delivers umami richness and saltiness to the sauce.
Sugar: Balances the salty soy with a touch of sweetness, creating a well-rounded sauce.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that silky, clingy texture that makes every bite saucy but not soggy.

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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

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Sometimes I swap flank steak for sirloin or even chicken breast. You can adjust the sweetness or soy sauce amount if you prefer it more savory or sweeter. Feel free to toss in mushrooms or snap peas if you want more veggies!

Variation: One time, I added sliced onions and mushrooms, which gave it a wonderful earthiness that my family adored.

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

This image shows a close-up of a stir-fry dish in a white bowl with a blue rim placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has a mix of thin slices of dark brown cooked meat with a shiny sauce layer, green bell pepper strips, and red bell pepper strips evenly mixed. A light-colored wooden spatula is lifting some pieces, showing the texture of the meat and vegetables clearly. The wooden spatula is positioned diagonally from the top left corner toward the bowl's center, adding a natural wood texture contrast to the glossy stir-fry. The vegetables appear crisp and fresh, adding bright green and red colors against the dark sauce-coated meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Bell Peppers Until Just Tender

Start by heating a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the red and green bell pepper strips and cook for about 3-4 minutes. The goal here is to soften them slightly while keeping their bright color and a bit of crunch. Once they’re just tender, scoop them out and set aside on a plate. This step ensures the peppers maintain their fresh bite without turning mushy later.

Step 2: Brown the Flank Steak

Next, add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and crank the heat up to high. Season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper—don’t be shy, seasoning the meat well makes a big difference. Add the steak slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for around 5-6 minutes, letting them brown nicely. Avoid stirring too frequently; you want a bit of a sear for flavor.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Combine

Once the steak is mostly browned, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let them burn! Then, return the bell peppers to the pan, mixing everything together. This layering helps all the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 4: Whisk and Simmer the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mix over the steak and peppers. Bring the pan to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. In just 2-3 minutes, the sauce will thicken and coat everything with that glossy, irresistible sheen. That’s your cue to turn off the heat and get ready to serve.

Top Tip

From cooking this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned some little hacks that really make the difference between good stir fry and great stir fry. Paying attention to the cooking order and heat levels helps keep the steak tender and the veggies vibrant.

Use Thin Slices of Steak: Cutting the flank steak thinly means it cooks fast and stays tender—thick chunks might turn chewy.
High Heat is Key: Stir fries benefit from hot pans to create that nice sear and quickly cook ingredients, so don’t skimp on the heat.
Don’t Overcook the Peppers: Adding them back at the end keeps their texture just right—not limp or soggy.
Make Sure to Mix the Sauce Well: Whisking the cornstarch thoroughly prevents lumps and gives you that perfect silky coating.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions over the top. They add a fresh crunch and a subtle nutty note that complements the savory sauce perfectly. Sometimes, a wedge of lime for squeezing brings a bright lift if you’re in the mood.

Side Dishes

Steaming up some jasmine rice or even brown rice pairs beautifully, soaking up any extra sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great too. On the side, I like simple steamed broccoli or snap peas for some extra green and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving this stir fry over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or even stuffed into lettuce wraps for a fun, interactive meal. I once used colorful mini bell peppers hollowed out as little edible “boats” which was a crowd-pleaser and gorgeous on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Pepper Steak Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, but be mindful the peppers soften further.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh for best texture, you can freeze this dish by placing it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the steak or veggies.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave works too, just cover to keep moisture and heat in short bursts to prevent toughness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and quick-cooking, you can substitute sirloin or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck, which might require longer cooking.

How do I keep the bell peppers crisp in the stir fry?

The key is not to overcook them. Sauté the peppers just until they start to soften (3-4 minutes), then remove them from the pan. Add them back at the end of cooking only to warm through. This keeps their texture bright and slightly crunchy.

Can I make this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What should I serve with this Pepper Steak Stir Fry?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or inside crisp lettuce wraps. Steamed or stir-fried green vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complement it nicely too.

Final Thoughts

I always find myself reaching for this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe whenever I want a meal that’s full of flavor but doesn’t take all evening in the kitchen. It’s comforting, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable—a true crowd-pleaser every time. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it. Give it a try, and soon enough, it’ll be one of your favorite quick dinners too.