Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and made in one pan. It uses simple ingredients, cooks in under 30 minutes, and delivers consistent results. The dish is versatile, customizable, and perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
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Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
An easy and flavorful pepper steak stir-fry made with tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss sliced steak with soy sauce and cornstarch until well coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet, then stir-fry bell peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return beef to the pan and add beef broth, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
- Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly for maximum tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu if desired.
- Add a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef steak is the star of this dish. Cuts like flank steak or sirloin work well because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly.
Bell peppers add sweetness, color, and crunch. A mix of red and green peppers creates both visual appeal and balanced flavor.
Onion provides a mild sweetness and depth as it softens in the pan and blends with the sauce.
Garlic enhances the savory profile of the stir-fry. It adds warmth and aroma without overpowering the dish.
Soy sauce forms the salty, umami-rich base of the sauce, tying all the ingredients together.
Oyster sauce adds richness and a subtle sweetness, giving the stir-fry a restaurant-style finish.
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and coats the beef, ensuring a glossy texture.
Beef broth adds moisture and depth, preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy.
Black pepper brings gentle heat and sharpness that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
Vegetable oil is ideal for stir-frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Directions
Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. In a small bowl, toss the beef with cornstarch and a small amount of soy sauce, then set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook quickly, allowing it to sear before stirring. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and bell peppers until just tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time is about 12 minutes.
Total time required is roughly 27 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a small splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
Pepper steak stir-fry is highly adaptable and works well with a variety of substitutions. Chicken, pork, or tofu can replace beef for different protein options. Each alternative absorbs the sauce well and cooks quickly.
Vegetable additions such as snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms can be incorporated for extra texture and nutrition. These vegetables pair naturally with the savory sauce and maintain their structure during quick cooking.
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste. If a sweeter profile is preferred, a touch of honey or brown sugar can be added to the sauce.
The dish can also be adjusted for dietary needs. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels, while serving over cauliflower rice makes it suitable for lower-carbohydrate meals.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides a good balance of protein from the beef and vitamins from the vegetables. Bell peppers contribute vitamin C, while the quick cooking method helps preserve nutrients. Portion control and pairing with whole grains can enhance its nutritional balance.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Slice beef against the grain
This ensures maximum tenderness.
Cook in batches if needed
Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain proper searing.
Prep ingredients in advance
Stir-frying moves quickly once cooking begins.
Do not overcook vegetables
Keeping them slightly crisp improves texture and flavor.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are ideal choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is mild, but heat can be added if desired.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice thinly and cook quickly over high heat.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
What should I serve with it?
Steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables work well.
Can I reduce the sodium?
Yes, use low-sodium sauces and broth.
Is a wok necessary?
No, a large skillet works just as well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a dependable, flavorful dish that proves quick cooking does not mean compromising on taste. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This recipe delivers speed, flexibility, and consistently satisfying results.
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