Quick Easy Pepper Steak Stirfry

My GoTo Easy Pepper Steak Recipe Quick Juicy Weeknight StirFry
By Sophie Chen

Quick Hook

Easy Pepper Steak Recipe want dinner fast tonight? I made this one when I was exhausted. It hit the spot.

Bright soy-ginger flavor meets a peppery finish. Fun stat: 72% of busy cooks pick 30-minute meals tonight.

If you like Sailor Bailey Ground Beef Stir Fry, try this. Think glossy sauce and tender strips. It tastes like takeout, but fresher.

Brief Overview

This Pepper Steak Recipe comes from American Chinese kitchens. It’s a homey riff on a classic. Simple food with a story.

Difficulty is easy. You need basic knife skills. It cooks fast. Total time is about under 30 minutes active. Prep Time: 15 minutes active . Cook Time: 8– 10 minutes .

Yields four servings. Serve with rice or noodles. I often pile it over Easy homemade pepper steak over rice. Kids and grown ups both love it.

This is a true 30-minute Steak Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a quick weeknight pepper steak stir fry. Swap flank steak for skirt if needed. It’s also a friendly Flank steak stir fry recipe.

Main Benefits

Top health perk: lean beef brings protein. Veggies add fiber and vitamins. It’s balanced and satisfying.

Perfect for weeknights or casual dinner dates. Great for leftovers too. Reheat gently to keep beef tender.

What makes it special is the sauce. A silky Soy-ginger pepper steak sauce clings to meat and peppers. The mix of bell peppers and onions keeps every bite bright.

This Pepper steak with bell peppers and onions is a keeper.

Honestly, I had kitchen mishaps. My first batch steamed, not seared. Lesson learned: pat the meat dry. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. Quick sears lock flavor.

If you crave Beef Dishes with speed and comfort, this fits. It’s also a good base for variations. Add chilies for a Spicy Pepper Steak. Toss in mushrooms for depth.

Ready for ingredients next? Let’s move to the ingredient list.

Ingredients & Equipment

I always reach for this when time is tight. This is my go-to Easy Pepper Steak Recipe . It feels like takeout. It takes under 30 minutes .

Main Ingredients

For the beef & marinade:

  • 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain.
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce.
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) cornstarch.
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vegetable oil.
  • pinch coarse black pepper (~ 1/4 tsp / 1 g ).

Vegetables & aromatics:

  • 1 medium red bell pepper (~ 150 g ), sliced 1/2 inch (12 mm).
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (~ 150 g ), sliced 1/2 inch (12 mm).
  • 1 medium onion (~ 150 g ), cut into 1/2 inch wedges.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (~ 8 g ).
  • 1 tsp (5 g) fresh ginger, minced.

Sauce & thickener:

  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) low-sodium soy sauce.
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce or hoisin.
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef or low-sodium chicken broth.
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar.
  • 2 tsp (8 g) granulated sugar.
  • 1/2 tsp (~1 g) black pepper.
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil.
  • Slurry: 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch + 2 tbsp (30 ml) cold water.

Quality tips: use a good cut flank steak. Look for fine grain and even color. Choose low-sodium soy to control salt. Fresh ginger and garlic matter here.

Seasoning Notes

Essential combo: soy, oyster, and sesame oil. They make the classic soy-ginger pepper steak sauce. Add a splash of rice vinegar to brighten flavors.

Flavor enhancers: a pinch of sugar balances salt. Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness. Scallions bring freshness.

Quick substitutes: tamari or coconut aminos for soy. Arrowroot for cornstarch (1:1). Use sirloin if you lack flank.

Equipment Needed

Essential tools only: large wok or heavy 12 inch (30 cm) skillet. Sharp chef’s knife. Measuring spoons and cups. Small bowls for sauce. Tongs or spatula.

Common alternatives: use a heavy frying pan if no wok. Use a mason jar to mix the sauce. A fork can whisk the slurry.

I once seared in a cast iron pan on a camping stove. It still tasted great. Try it. You’ll love this quick weeknight pepper steak stir fry and its beef forward, crunchy veg vibe.

Cooking Method

If you want an Easy Pepper Steak Recipe tonight, this is it. It’s a quick weeknight pepper steak stir fry. Think of it as easy homemade pepper steak over rice.

Fun fact: stir fries cook so fast they save time and taste.

Prep Steps Get your mise en place done first. Slice the flank thin against the grain. Measure the soy-ginger pepper steak sauce in a bowl. Pat the beef dry. This improves browning.

Time saving tip: slice the peppers and onions while the steak rests. Or freeze the steak 20 minutes first. Safety reminder: use a sharp knife and keep fingers tucked.

If using a thermometer, sanitize it between checks.

step-by-step Process

  1. Marinate beef quickly. Toss steak with 1 tbsp soy, 1 tsp cornstarch, and oil. Let sit 15 minutes or cook right away.
  2. Mix sauce and slurry in small bowls. Keep them near the stove.
  3. Heat the wok very hot. Add 1 tbsp oil and swirl.
  4. Sear beef in batches. Lay strips flat. Cook 1– 2 minutes without moving. Look for deep brown edges.
  5. Remove beef, then add garlic and ginger. Sauté 15 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add onions and bell peppers. Stir fry 2– 3 minutes until crisp tender and bright.
  7. Return beef. Pour sauce. Add slurry and stir 30 60 seconds until glossy. Cook until sauce coats everything.

Visual cues: brown edges on beef. Veg should stay vibrant. Sauce should cling, not pool.

Critical temperatures: thin strips should reach 130 135° F (54 57° C) for medium rare. Cook to 140 145° F (60 63° C) for medium.

Total time including optional marinating is about 38 40 minutes .

Pro Tips Freeze steak slightly for easier slicing. Pat meat dry for a better sear. Use high heat and don’t crowd the pan.

Common mistake: overcrowding causes steaming. Shortcut: make the soy-ginger pepper steak sauce ahead. make-ahead: prep veggies and sauce the day before.

Honestly, this felt like a cross between my Sailor Bailey Ground Beef Stir Fry nights and a 30-minute Steak Stir Fry Recipe my mate loves.

It’s simple, fast, and perfect for Beef Dishes cravings. Try it with rice and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe sings over rice. Try Easy homemade pepper steak over rice for classic comfort.
Plate with steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles.

Top with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. I love serving it with quick garlic bok choy.
For drinks, pick a crisp lager or off-dry Riesling.


Honestly, a cold iced green tea works too.

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers quickly. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For best texture, store sauce and rice separately.

You can freeze the cooked beef for 2 months. Flash-freeze on a tray first for easier portioning.
To reheat, thaw overnight in fridge if frozen.

Warm in a skillet over medium heat until steaming.
Avoid the microwave if you want crisp veggies.

Variations

Swap flank for ground beef for a twist. Try Sailor Bailey Ground Beef Stir Fry vibes.
Make it spicy with sliced chilies or chili paste.

For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. Seasonal swap: add thin asparagus in spring.
In autumn, toss in sliced shiitake mushrooms.


A quick Flank steak stir fry recipe works great.

Nutrition Basics

One serving gives about 420 calories. Protein is high at roughly 34 grams.
Fat runs near 22 grams per portion.

Use low-sodium soy to cut sodium. This is a solid source of iron and B vitamins.
Peppers add vitamin C and fiber.


It’s a balanced meal in one pan.

A small stat to hook you: 8 in 10 home cooks pick stir-fries for weeknight dinners.
I learned this the hard way.

I once overcrowded a pan. The beef steamed, not seared. Never again. Cook hot and fast.
If you love a 30-minute Steak Stir Fry Recipe or classic Pepper Steak , this version nails it.


Give it a go tonight. You’ll feel proud serving this glossy, peppery dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an Easy Pepper Steak Recipe can I really make it in under 30 minutes?

Yes the recipe is designed for speed: active prep is about 15 minutes and cook time is 8 10 minutes, so you can finish in under 30 minutes if you skip the optional 15-minute marinade.

The steps are straightforward (slice, marinate briefly, sear, stir-fry veg, finish with sauce), so it’s a classic weeknight winner that feels like homemade takeout without the wait.

How do I get thin, tender beef slices for the best pepper steak?

Freeze the steak for 20 30 minutes so it firms up and is much easier to slice thinly across the grain that shortens the muscle fibers and makes bites tender. Pat the strips dry before searing to get a good brown crust, and a quick toss in the marinade (soy + a little cornstarch and oil) gives a velveting effect that keeps the meat silky during high-heat cooking.

Why does my sauce turn out watery, and how can I thicken it properly?

Make a cold cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) and add it gradually to the simmering sauce while stirring the heat activates the starch quickly and produces a glossy coating.

Don’t add too much at once or it will get gluey; alternatives like arrowroot work 1:1, or you can reduce the sauce over higher heat to concentrate flavors without starch.

How should I store and reheat leftovers from this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe?

Cool quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 4 days or freeze for up to 2 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave covered in short bursts; avoid high heat which will overcook the thin beef and make the vegetables mushy.

Can I make healthier or different variations low-sodium, gluten-free, vegetarian or spicier versions?

Absolutely swap low-sodium soy and low-sodium broth (or coconut aminos) to cut sodium, use arrowroot instead of cornstarch for paleo or gluten-free diets, and choose leaner cuts or reduce oil for fewer calories.

For vegetarian options, substitute firm tofu or sliced mushrooms for the beef; to add heat, stir in chili garlic sauce or fresh chilies to the sauce. Nutrition will vary with swaps, so expect lower sodium and slightly different calorie counts when you make these changes.

Quick Easy Pepper Steak Stirfry

My GoTo Easy Pepper Steak Recipe Quick Juicy Weeknight StirFry Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:30 Mins
Cooking time:10 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories420 kcal
Protein34 g
Fat22 g
Carbs14 g
Fiber2 g
Sugar7 g
Sodium750-900 mg

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican Chinese

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