If you’re craving a vibrant and savory meal that comes together in a snap, look no further than this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a luscious, peppery sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a delicious dinner with minimal fuss, this dish blends bold flavors and comforting textures in a way that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is how simple yet thoughtful the ingredient list is. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, and brightening the dish’s overall appeal. From the savory tender steak to the colorful veggies and that perfectly seasoned stir-fry sauce, everything comes together effortlessly.
- Beef top sirloin steak: Choose fresh, lean slices about 2 inches long for tender, juicy steak pieces.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the steak’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
- Black pepper: Adds warmth and a touch of heat to the beef and sauce.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to the stir fry sauce.
- Water: Thins out the sauce and helps the cornstarch blend smoothly.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency.
- Rice wine vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that brightens and balances the sauce perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Ground ginger: Provides a fragrant warmth that complements the black pepper.
- Vegetable oil: For searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables without burning.
- Onion: Thinly sliced to soften and sweeten, giving depth to the stir fry.
- Garlic: Finely minced to infuse the dish with robust aroma and flavor.
- Green and red bell peppers: Thinly sliced for crispness and vibrant color contrast.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by patting your beef top sirloin steak slices dry using a paper towel—this helps sear the meat beautifully instead of steaming it. Once dry, sprinkle the steak evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning jumpstarts the flavor and gives the beef a nice savory foundation.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until smooth and well mixed. This sauce is going to bring that irresistible glossy coating and perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes to your stir fry.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half of your vegetable oil. Place the steak slices in the hot pan and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they develop a beautiful brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a good sear. Once cooked, transfer the steak out of the skillet and set it aside while you cook the veggies.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables and Sauce
Add the remaining oil to the skillet, then toss in the thinly sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir continuously as you pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Cook and stir everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and perfectly coat the vegetables with that glossy, flavorful shine.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Veggies
Return the seared steak to the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld as the beef warms through and each bite becomes coated in the delicious sauce.
Step 6: Serve
For the classic finish, serve your Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all those rich juices, making each forkful even more comforting and satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh bite and extra texture. A small drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also elevate the flavor and add a cozy nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If you want to round out the meal, a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad or miso soup offers a refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe wrapped in warm lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held meal. Another idea is to pile it over fried rice or noodles to turn it into a hearty one-pan feast that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the bell peppers may soften slightly after thawing, but the dish will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps refresh the sauce and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is great for tenderness and flavor, flank steak or ribeye slices also work well. Just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it necessary to use both green and red bell peppers?
Not at all. Mixing green and red peppers adds a nice color contrast and flavor complexity, but feel free to use just one color or substitute with other crunchy veggies like snap peas or broccoli.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing that umami kick.
How spicy is this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe?
The black pepper adds a mild warmth rather than intense heat, making it approachable for most palates. If you like more spice, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
What can I use instead of rice wine vinegar?
If you don’t have rice wine vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar makes a fine substitute; just use a little less to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. It’s quick, packed with irresistible flavors, and brings so much satisfaction with every bite. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, it will become an instant favorite to share with friends and family on any busy evening.
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Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
Description
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender sirloin steak cooked with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, the recipe combines simple ingredients with a straightforward stir-fry method to deliver a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
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 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 sirloin steak with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger until smooth and well combined.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the steak slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until nicely seared. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables and Thicken Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, then add the sliced onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, and the prepared sauce mixture. Stir continuously and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
- Combine Steak and Vegetables: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and cook together with the vegetables for another 2 minutes, stirring to coat the steak evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak stir fry hot over freshly cooked white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to taste for a milder or spicier dish.
- You can substitute beef top sirloin with flank steak or skirt steak if preferred.
- If you like a thicker sauce, allow it to cook a bit longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the fresh vegetables.
- Use vegetable oil or any neutral oil suitable for high heat cooking.
