Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Let’s talk about the Pepper Steak Stir Fry that has become a staple in my home, especially on those busy weeknights when I crave something quick yet satisfying. Picture this: it’s a hectic Tuesday evening, and I’ve just returned from a long day. The last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, yet I still want a meal that’s bursting with flavor. That’s where this dish shines! The Pepper Steak Stir Fry is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Asia with each bite. The colorful bell peppers dance alongside savory steak and a luscious sauce that envelops everything beautifully.

What I love about this stir fry is its versatility. You can whip it up in no time while getting creative with ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. It’s a fantastic way to use up those lingering veggies while indulging in juicy, tender beef. Plus, the satisfaction of cooking a meal that feels like a treat without the long preparation time is unparalleled. I’m often left wondering why I don’t make it more often! As the aroma fills the kitchen, I can’t help but smile, knowing that dinner will be both quick and delicious. So, let me take you through this wonderful recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Ingredient List for Pepper Steak Stir Fry

When it comes to the Pepper Steak Stir Fry, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that authentic flavor. The key players—the flank steak and vibrant bell peppers—combine perfectly to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• 16 oz flank steak – The star of this dish, this cut of beef is tender and flavorful, perfect for quick cooking.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil – Adds a distinct nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 red bell pepper – Offers sweetness and a pop of color, making the dish more appealing.
• 1 green bell pepper – Provides a mild flavor contrast to the sweetness of the red pepper.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce – This savory sauce acts as a base for the stir fry, infusing the dish with umami.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – Balances the salty soy sauce with its sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves – Adds aromatic depth to the dish, enhancing all other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger – Introduces a zesty kick that complements the beef beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon sriracha – Optional, but it can add a delightful heat to the stir fry.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, giving it a luscious texture.
• 1 tablespoon water – Helps mix with the cornstarch to create the right consistency.

The Process for Making Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Cooking the Pepper Steak Stir Fry is an enjoyable process that comes together quickly! You’ll love how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps!

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha if you’re using it. This sauce will be the heart of your stir fry, so mix it well for full flavor.
2. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later on.
3. Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. You want the pan to be really hot to obtain that beautiful sear on the steak.
4. While the oil is heating, trim any excess fat off the flank steak and slice it into thin strips against the grain. This will ensure tenderness in each bite.
5. Once the pan is hot, add the steak in a single layer. Allow it to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes without stirring to get that nice sear. When browned, stir and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until it’s cooked through.
6. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside. It’s okay if it’s slightly undercooked; it will finish cooking later with the sauce.
7. Add the remaining sesame oil to the pan and toss in your chopped bell peppers. Stir occasionally and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until they are tender yet still crisp.
8. Return the steak to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Toss everything together to coat the steak and peppers in that delicious sauce.
9. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the stir fry. You’ll know it’s ready when everything is glossy and fragrant.
10. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Pepper Steak Stir Fry!

Recipe Tips about Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Making the Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a breeze, but here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience! These suggestions will help you maximize flavor and efficiency, ensuring that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: To store leftovers, allow the stir fry to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish! Separate portions in freezer-safe bags, and it can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: This stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. You could even serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
• Variations: Experiment with different proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each will give a unique twist while maintaining the essence of the dish.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste. You can also include chili flakes for an extra kick!

What Complements This Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Serving the Pepper Steak Stir Fry can be as simple or as elaborate as you want! Here are some great suggestions on how to serve this delightful meal:

• Over Steamed Rice: A classic choice, the stir fry pairs beautifully with fluffy white or brown rice that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• With Noodles: For a twist, serve it over rice noodles or udon. The noodles soak up the sauce and add a different texture.
• Green Salad: For a refreshing side, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stir fry.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Portion the stir fry into meal containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roast or sauté seasonal vegetables on the side for added nutrition and flavor contrast.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Pepper Steak Stir Fry is truly a remarkable dish that brings bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table in no time. Whipping up this meal can quickly become a cherished tradition in your home, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the delightful experience of creating this dish. Your family and friends will be impressed, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Pepper Steak Stir Fry

The ultimate comfort food, the Pepper Steak Stir Fry delivers a rush of flavors in every bite. Juicy beef mingles with crisp bell peppers in a savory sauce, creating an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies cravings. Try it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz Flank Steak or other thinly sliced steak
• 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil divided
• 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 4 Garlic Cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha optional
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Water

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Mix the cornstarch and water together until the cornstarch is dissolved, then whisk into the stir fry sauce.
2. Heat a large, high-sided skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil over medium high heat.
3. Trim any excess fat off of the flank steak. Slice it into thin strips against the grain of the meat.
4. Once the pan is hot, add the steak to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring, then stir and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
5. Add the remaining oil in the pan and add the chopped bell pepper. Cook stirring occasionally for 4 to 6 minutes or until the peppers become tender.
6. Add the meat back the pan and pour the stir fry sauce in and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened then remove from heat.
7. Garnish as desired with green onion and/or sesame seeds.

Notes

• Bell Peppers: red and yellow bell peppers are what I recommend, but any combination of red, orange, yellow, or green is fine too.
• Soy Sauce: An alternative like tamari or liquid or coconut aminos with great results.
• Ginger: If not using fresh, my second choice is jarred minced ginger, then last, powdered. If you’re swapping in powdered ginger use 1 teaspoon.
• Garlic: I recommend fresh garlic, but a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used instead.
• Sriracha: This is optional and you can adjust how much you use based on your family’s taste for spicy food.
• How to Store: To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer up to a month.
• How to Freeze: Making this 15 minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months. Slice the steak and peppers. Freeze in a freezer safe bag or container. Make the sauce and freeze separately. When ready to cook thaw in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours, cook according to recipe.
• How to Reheat: In the microwave on 30 second increments, until heated through. Cover with tin foil and place into the oven at 350˚F for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

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