If you’re on the hunt for a quick and delectable dinner, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry is an absolute must-try! Combining tender strips of flank steak with vibrant bell peppers and a savory sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce brings out a bold, mouthwatering taste you’ll adore.
- Colorful & Nutritious: The bell peppers not only add a pop of color but also vitamins and nutrients.
- Customizable: Easily switch up the veggies or protein to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pepper Steak Stir Fry lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find and work in harmony to transform your meal into a vibrant masterpiece.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided use: Helps in cooking and lends a subtle richness to the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips: Adds a sweet and tangy crunch that’s irresistible.
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips: Balances the sweetness with an earthy flavor.
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced: Tender and flavorsome, it cooks quickly when thinly sliced.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the dish with an aromatic depth that can’t be missed.
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger: Provides a fresh and zesty kick that complements the garlic.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: This salted delicacy forms the backbone of the sauce.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency.
Variations
Feel free to tweak this Pepper Steak Stir Fry! It’s super adaptable, allowing you to replace ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Spicy Version: Add a sliced chili or a dash of cayenne pepper to lend some heat to the dish.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace the steak with tofu or tempeh for a veggie-friendly alternative that’s equally satisfying.
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 and add your colorful bell peppers. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, just until they start to get tender. Once done, set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Brown the Steak
With the remaining oil, crank up the heat to high and let the flank steak slices join the party. Season with salt and pepper, letting them sear for 5-6 minutes until they get that gorgeous brown color.
Step 3: Infuse with Flavor
Toss in the mince garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds to release that fragrant aroma. Then, mix back the peppers into your thriving pan.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, 1/4 cup of water and cornstarch in a bowl. Pour this over the steak and peppers, bringing your creation to a simmer. In just 2-3 minutes, your sauce will achieve the perfect consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak Stir Fry
- Pan Prep: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the steak to sear it perfectly and lock in juices.
- Smart Slicing: Cut the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Fresh Ginger: Opt for fresh ginger over powdered for a punchier, more aromatic taste.
- Vegetable Crunch: Remove peppers just as they begin to soften to maintain their delightful crunch.
How to Serve Pepper Steak Stir Fry
Garnishes
Top this delightful stir fry with toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish that enhances both taste and presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, offering a wholesome base that soaks up all the savory goodness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve your Pepper Steak Stir Fry in a hollowed-out bell pepper or alongside a crisp, fresh salad for an impressive presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll hold their deliciousness for up to three days. Perfect for a quick lunch the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze Pepper Steak Stir Fry in portions, ensuring they’re adequately sealed. They’ll last in the freezer for about three months and stay fresh when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat your dish in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to bring back some steam and maintain moisture, restoring it to its savory glory.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken or pork would serve as great alternatives, just be sure to adjust cooking times to ensure they’re properly cooked through.
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Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari.
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What if I don’t have flank steak?
You can use skirt steak or sirloin instead—just make sure to slice them thinly to mimic the texture of flank steak.
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How can I make it lower in sodium?
Consider using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing added salt. You can also balance flavor with additional ginger or spice rather than salting.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and utterly delicious. Give it a whirl and savor every vibrant bite!
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
A flavorful and quick Pepper Steak Stir Fry that combines tender flank steak with colorful bell peppers in a savory soy sauce glaze, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided use)
- 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 and Sauces
- 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
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil, swirling to coat the pan.
- Cook the peppers: Add the red and green bell peppers to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the steak: Add the remaining oil to the same pan, season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then increase the heat to high. Add the steak slices and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Combine peppers and sauce: Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken and serve: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Ensure the steak is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- You can substitute other colorful vegetables like snap peas or carrots for variety.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
