If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender slices of top sirloin mingle perfectly with vibrant bell peppers and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Plus, the best part is how quickly it cooks up, making it your new go-to dinner when time is tight but your appetite is big.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For an Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe that delivers on taste and texture, the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and peppery goodness while adding color and a satisfying bite to the dish.
- Beef top sirloin steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the steak.
- Black pepper: Adds the signature peppery kick to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Gives the sauce a salty, umami-rich foundation.
- Water: Thins the sauce just enough for coating the ingredients perfectly.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that glossy, clingy texture.
- Rice wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Balances the tang and saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
- Ground ginger: Brings warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Used for searing the steak and sauteing the veggies.
- Onion: Thinly sliced to caramelize slightly and lend sweetness.
- Garlic: Finely minced to infuse the dish with aromatic punch.
- Green bell peppers: Sliced thin for crunch and vibrant color.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color alongside the green.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Start by gently patting the thinly sliced steak with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial because it helps the beef sear nicely rather than steam. Then sprinkle the steak evenly with kosher salt and black pepper for that irresistible seasoning base.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing together sweet, tangy, and spicy elements that will tie the steak and veggies into a harmonious whole.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half of the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the steak slices in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without overcrowding, letting the beef develop a beautiful brown crust that locks in those juicy flavors. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside—don’t worry, we’ll bring it back soon!
Step 4: Cook the Veggies and Sauce
Into the same pan, pour the remaining oil, then toss in the onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir constantly as you add the sauce mixture. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, coating the veggies with a luscious glaze—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The peppers will remain crisp-tender, preserving that fresh, vibrant bite.
Step 5: Combine Steak with Veggies and Sauce
Return the seared steak to the pan, stirring it into the coated vegetables. Let everything mingle and cook together for another 2 minutes so the steak picks up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce and veggies. This step ensures every bite is tasty and perfectly saucy.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Serve your Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe piping hot over cooked white rice. The fluffy rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making each mouthful a delight. This dish is truly an effortless way to eat well, fast.
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your pepper steak stir fry, scatter some sliced scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. These simple garnishes add freshness and a subtle crunch, making the dish feel special and more layered.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For an added veggie boost, a side of stir-fried snow peas or steamed broccoli works beautifully alongside the pepper steak, keeping the meal vibrant and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the stir fry in a large colorful bowl with the rice molded into neat domes alongside. Alternatively, portion it onto cool, crisp lettuce leaves to create pepper steak wraps—fun, fresh, and perfect for interactive meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a solid option. Freeze leftover stir fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of bell peppers might soften slightly after thawing, but the overall deliciousness remains.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm, stirring occasionally to distribute the sauce evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh the sauce texture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or ribeye trimmed of excess fat. The key is slicing the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep all the bold flavors without any gluten.
Can I substitute other vegetables for the bell peppers?
Definitely. Feel free to add snap peas, mushrooms, or even carrots for a different crunch and flavor profile. Just keep their cooking time in mind to maintain the perfect texture.
How spicy is this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe is mildly peppery thanks to the black pepper in the sauce, but it’s not spicy hot. You can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce if you like more heat.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be whisked together ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes the cooking process even quicker when you’re ready to stir fry.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special but is so simple to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want a reliable go-to meal, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, speed, and satisfaction. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef sirloin cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir fry combines simple ingredients and minimal prep time for a satisfying meal served over white rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds Beef top sirloin steak (cut into thin 2 inch long slices)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 1/3 cup Water
- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
Vegetables and Cooking Oil
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 2 Green bell peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1 Red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Lightly pat the cut steak with a paper towel to remove excess liquid, then season it with kosher salt and black pepper evenly. This ensures the beef is well-seasoned before cooking.
- Make the Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger until thoroughly combined. This will create a flavorful, thickening sauce for the stir fry.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, searing until nicely browned on the edges. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook Vegetables and Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, then add the sliced onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and begins to coat the vegetables, cooking for approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine Steak and Vegetables: Return the seared steak to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the steak is heated through and thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pepper steak stir fry over cooked white rice for a complete meal. Enjoy while hot.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the steak thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper flakes during the vegetable cooking step.
- Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning while searing the beef.
- Serve with steamed white rice or your favorite grain to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
