If you are searching for a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dinner, look no further than this Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy strips of top sirloin with crisp bell peppers and onions all enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something hearty yet refreshing, this stir fry combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that’s both colorful and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this delightful Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, imparting texture, and adding vibrant color to the dish.
- Beef top sirloin steak: Choose well-marbled steak for tenderness and slice it thinly to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural meat flavors and seasons the dish just right.
- Black pepper: Adds a classic kick and depth to the overall taste without overpowering.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami richness and salty complexity to the sauce.
- Water: Balances the sauce’s consistency, keeping it smooth and saucy.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully so it clings to steak and veggies.
- Rice wine vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that brightens the flavors and cuts richness.
- Brown sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness that complements the savory elements.
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a touch of zesty spice for complexity.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking, helping to sear the meat and sauté the vegetables.
- Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sweetness and crunchy texture.
- Garlic: Finely minced for aromatic pungency that infuses the sauce.
- Green and red bell peppers: Thin slices provide vibrant color, a fresh crunch, and mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the beef.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by patting the sliced steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture—this helps achieve a great sear. Lightly season the steak slices with kosher salt and black pepper, which will enhance the beef’s natural flavors while keeping things simple and fresh.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce blend is the heart of the dish, balancing savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes to coat the ingredients perfectly.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Place the steak slices in the hot pan and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing a nice brown sear to form. This step locks in the juices creating juicy, flavor-packed beef. Once done, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables and Sauce
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet, then toss in the onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir frequently to keep the vegetables crisp yet cooked through. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and continue stirring. After about 5 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce thickening and beautifully coating the veggies, creating a glossy, vibrant base for the steak.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Vegetables
Return the cooked steak slices to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the beef to warm through while being perfectly coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve this vibrant stir fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite grain, letting the sauce soak into the base and making every bite utterly satisfying. The contrasting textures and bold flavors make it a winner every time.
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds elevate both the look and taste of the dish. Adding a few red pepper flakes can bring a gentle heat if you like a little spice. These touches add flair and fresh bursts of flavor that complement the hearty stir fry.
Side Dishes
Pair this stir fry with steamed jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A simple cucumber salad or a crisp Asian slaw can add a refreshing crunch alongside the warm main dish, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe over warm steamed noodles or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. You could also present it family-style in a large bowl to encourage hearty sharing and vibrant conversation around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the stir fry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that vegetables may soften a bit after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will remain robust and satisfying.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the beef’s tenderness and to avoid overcooking the veggies. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help revive the sauce’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While top sirloin is perfect for its tenderness and quick cooking, flank steak or skirt steak also work well if sliced thinly against the grain.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms can be delicious additions that bring more texture and nutrition to the stir fry.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of water, tweaking the seasonings slightly for a delightful vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
For the most tender bites, slice the steak thinly and against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers and keeps the meat juicy and easy to chew.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and easily, perfect for sharing with loved ones. It balances simplicity and bold tastes, making it a pantry-friendly go-to that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight dinners!
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Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender slices of top sirloin steak sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying and simple dinner served over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1.5 pounds Beef top sirloin steak (cut into thin 2 inch long slices)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 1/3 cup Water
- 4 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
Vegetables and Oil
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 2 Green bell peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1 Red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Lightly pat the cut steak with a paper towel to remove excess liquid, then sprinkle it evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. This helps season the meat and promotes a good sear.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger until fully combined. This mixture will thicken the stir fry and add vibrant flavor.
- Sear the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then add the steak slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until nicely seared and browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the vegetables and sauce: To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, then add the sliced onion, bell peppers, garlic, and the prepared sauce mixture. Stir continuously as you cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the vegetables.
- Combine beef and vegetables: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir together with the vegetables and sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to fully incorporate flavors and ensure the beef is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the pepper steak stir fry hot over cooked white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Make sure to slice the steak thinly across the grain for tenderness.
- Feel free to substitute the vegetables with snap peas or mushrooms for variety.
- To make this gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
