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Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

4.4 from 119 reviews

This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender strips of flank steak with crisp red and green bell peppers. The savory soy sauce and subtle sweetness from sugar, enhanced with garlic and ginger, create a perfect balance of flavors in a quick and easy stir fry meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips

Meat

  • 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided use

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely, forming a smooth sauce. Set aside.
  2. Slice the Steak: Thinly slice the flank steak across the grain to ensure tenderness after cooking.
  3. Heat the Oil: Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  4. Cook the Steak: Add the sliced flank steak to the skillet in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but slightly pink inside. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
  5. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil and heat it. Then add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
  6. Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the peppers. Stir the prepared sauce again to ensure cornstarch hasn’t settled, then pour it over the steak and vegetables. Stir constantly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately, preferably over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the amount of sugar according to taste.
  • This dish can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Use vegetable oil or other neutral oils suitable for high-heat stir-frying.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking the steak to ensure proper browning.

Keywords: pepper steak, stir fry, flank steak, bell peppers, soy sauce, quick dinner, easy stir fry