There’s something about the sizzle of tender steak and vibrant peppers dancing in a hot pan that makes this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe truly irresistible. It’s quick, flavorful, and homemade in a way that beats takeout any day.

The dish shows several pieces of glossy, dark brown beef slices scattered throughout, coated with a thick shiny sauce. Bright red bell pepper strips and vibrant green bell pepper strips are mixed evenly among the beef pieces, adding a pop of color. The food sits inside a white plate with a black rim, which contrasts with the colorful ingredients. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. The image captures the fresh, cooked look of the stir-fry with a close-up view, emphasizing the glossy sauce and vibrant vegetable colors. 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

I’m always looking for meals that pack a punch without spending all evening in the kitchen, and this Pepper Steak Stir Fry fits the bill perfectly. It’s become a go-to for me when I want something hearty, colorful, and just plain delicious.

Speedy Cooking: Just 30 minutes from prep to plate, perfect for busy weeknights.
Simple Ingredients: No exotic spices or mysterious sauces, just pantry staples and fresh produce.
Customizable Flavor: The balance of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a sauce that complements the steak and peppers without overpowering them.
Better Than Takeout: You get freshness and control over seasoning that you just don’t find when ordering in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. The combination of beefy, tender steak with crisp, slightly sweet peppers makes every bite satisfying. Plus, choosing quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of thinly sliced raw flank steak arranged neatly, one whole red bell pepper cut into vibrant strips, one whole green bell pepper cut into fresh strips, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with finely minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with finely minced ginger, a small white ceramic bowl holding light golden vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with white cornstarch, salt and black pepper sprinkled evenly beside the steak, 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 helps achieve high-heat cooking without smoking or flavor interference.
Red and green bell peppers: They add a vibrant pop of color and freshness, plus a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Flank steak: This cut is perfect for stir fry because it’s lean, flavorful, and slices thinly for fast cooking.
Garlic and ginger: Classic aromatics that give an inviting warmth and depth to the sauce.
Soy sauce: Delivers that savory umami punch essential to any stir fry.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the saltiness and rounds out the sauce.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce quickly, coating every bite with a luscious glaze.

📝

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 like recipes that invite a little creativity, so I often tweak this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. You’ll find it’s forgiving and adaptable, which means you can make it your own easily.

Variation: Adding sliced onions or snow peas personally gives me an extra crunch and sweetness that my family loves.
Spice it up: I sometimes throw in a splash of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for heat—just enough to tickle your taste buds.
Lean protein swap: Tried it once with thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter option, and it worked beautifully.
Veggie boost: Toss in mushrooms or broccoli florets if you want more variety without complicating the flavors.

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

This image shows a close-up of a colorful stir fry dish in a white bowl with a dark rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is a glossy brown sauce coating the dish, the middle layer shows thick slices of dark brown cooked beef, and the top layer is a mix of sliced red and green bell peppers. A wooden spatula is lifting some slices of beef and peppers from the bowl, positioned near the center, with the texture of the wood clearly visible. The colors are bright and fresh, with the peppers adding sharp contrasts to the rich brown beef and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle Those Peppers

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch. You’re aiming for that perfect tender-crisp texture. Remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate—this keeps them bright and fresh while you work on the steak.

Step 2: Brown the Steak to Perfection

Add the remaining vegetable oil to the same pan and turn the heat up to high. Season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Spread the steak strips out in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, letting that beautiful browned crust develop. This is where a lot of the flavor happens, so no rushing!

Step 3: Build Aroma with Garlic and Ginger

Once the steak is mostly cooked, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them around for just 30 seconds until fragrant—you want to wake up those flavors without burning them. The whole kitchen starts to smell amazing at this point, doesn’t it?

Step 4: Bring It All Together With Sauce

Return those beautiful peppers back to the pan with the steak. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the sauce over your steak and veggies and bring everything to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while the sauce thickens, coating everything that’s going on in the pan. That glossy, sticky finish is exactly what you want!

Top Tip

Over the years making this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe, I’ve learned a few things that make all the difference. Paying attention to timing and prep keeps it simple and ensures the best results every time.

Slice thinly and evenly: I always slice the flank steak against the grain as thin as possible—this keeps it tender and easier to cook quickly.
High heat is your friend: I crank up the heat to get a good sear on the steak; it builds more flavor and keeps the beef juicy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding traps steam and prevents proper browning. I work in batches if needed.
Fresh garlic and ginger: Using fresh minced aromatics instead of powders makes a noticeable difference in depth and brightness of the sauce.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

pepper steak stir fry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a few sesame seeds on top just before serving—they add a little texture and pop of color. If you want a bit of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime can brighten the whole dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pepper steak stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or even some cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Sometimes, I’ll serve it alongside simple stir-fried noodles or a light cucumber salad to complement the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stir fry inside lettuce cups for a fun and fresh presentation that lets everyone customize their own bites. Another favorite is plating it over a bed of soba noodles and garnishing with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pepper steak stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally within two hours of cooking. It stays great for about 3 to 4 days. The sauce helps keep the steak moist, which means leftovers aren’t tough or dry.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and it keeps for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps maintain the texture of the peppers and keeps the steak tender rather than rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You absolutely can! While flank steak is my favorite for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak also work well if sliced thinly against the grain. Just watch the cooking times to avoid overcooking tougher cuts.

What can I substitute for cornstarch in the sauce?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener. Both will give you a similarly glossy sauce. Alternatively, all-purpose flour works, but it may make the sauce a bit more opaque and less shiny.

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

Yes! Just swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Make sure the other ingredients like sugar and cornstarch are free of additives that contain gluten for a fully gluten-free dish.

How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough in this stir fry?

The key is slicing the steak very thinly against the grain and cooking it quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking — it's better to slightly undercook and let carryover heat finish the cooking while you're adding the sauce and peppers back in. Resting the sliced steak after cutting also helps maintain tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to, not just because it’s tasty and quick, but because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. I urge you to give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make weeknights better, and how much tastier it is than any takeout. Cooking it at home lets you savor fresh, wholesome ingredients and share a meal you can feel good about. Enjoy every bite!