The Pepper Steak Stir Fry is an absolute crowd-pleaser, brimming with the vibrant colors of crisp bell peppers and tender slices of flank steak, all enveloped in a savory sauce that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Pepper Steak Stir Fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Colorful and Nutritious: The vibrant bell peppers not only add a pop of color but also pack a punch of vitamins.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak to suit your preferences or dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- Delightful Flavor: The ginger and garlic infuse aromatic and savory notes that elevate the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry calls for simple yet essential ingredients that truly make the dish shine. Each plays a crucial role, from the tender steak to the flavorful soy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture.
- Vegetable oil: Helps to brown the steak nicely and sauté the peppers beautifully.
- Red and green bell peppers: Offer a vibrant color contrast and a mild sweetness.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced for tenderness and to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: Minced to perfection, they provide aromatic depth.
- Soy sauce: A salty, savory backbone of the stir-fry sauce.
- Sugar and cornstarch: Balance sweetness and thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
Variations
One of the best things about this Pepper Steak Stir Fry is its versatility. Feel free to adapt it according to what you have on hand or your specific preferences. It’s that easy!”
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the steak with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to bring heat to the dish.
- Different Proteins: Try chicken or shrimp for a different but equally delightful stir fry.
How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers
Heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the vibrant red and green bell peppers, stirring occasionally, and allowing them to cook for about 3-4 minutes until just tender. Once done, remove the peppers and set them aside on a nearby plate.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
In the same pan, boost the heat to high and pour in the remaining oil. Season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Cook the steak for about 5-6 minutes, or until it becomes beautifully browned. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release those fragrant aromas.
Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak Stir Fry
- Perfect Thickness: Cut your flank steak against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Sauce Consistency: Ensure the cornstarch completely dissolves to avoid lumps in your glossy sauce.
- Color Pop: Don’t overcook the bell peppers; their vibrant color is part of the dish’s charm.
- Quick Assembly: Prep all your ingredients beforehand for a seamless stir-frying experience.
How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, garnish your Pepper Steak Stir Fry with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It adds a lovely crunch and a hint of freshness!
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. For a low-carb option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice, which complements the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pepper Steak Stir Fry on a large platter for family-style dining, or portion it into individual bowls for a more intimate presentation. Don’t forget to highlight those glorious colors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the stir fry cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze your Pepper Steak Stir Fry for up to 2 months. Portion it into individual servings before freezing to make future reheating super convenient.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use different cuts of beef for Pepper Steak Stir Fry?
Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin or even rib-eye for a more tender texture. Just remember to slice the meat thinly.
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What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
This recipe is quite flexible. You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, and use honey instead of sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
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Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, ensuring a gluten-free delight without losing flavor.
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How can I prevent my beef from becoming tough?
Slicing against the grain and avoiding overcooking are key. Also, ensure your pan is hot enough to sear the meat quickly, locking in its juices.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Pepper Steak Stir Fry! It’s a wonderfully quick meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Gather these simple ingredients, give it a shot, and indulge in a delicious medley right at your dinner table. Happy cooking!
Print
Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender sliced flank steak with colorful bell peppers in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes, delivering a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
- 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
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or skillet until shimmering.
- Cook Peppers: Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender and slightly charred. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Steak: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high, then add the steak to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Peppers and Steak: Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak and aromatics, mixing well.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Pour the sauce into the pan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and glossy.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute other bell peppers like yellow or orange for variety.
- For a health-conscious version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the sugar.
- Ensure the steak is sliced very thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently; however, the peppers may lose some crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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