If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, tender steak, and vibrant vegetables but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, then this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining juicy flank steak with crisp bell peppers and a luscious sauce, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your home table in just about 25 minutes. It’s satisfying, colorful, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, each contributing to the overall harmony of taste, texture, and color in this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe. From the colorful bell peppers to the earthy ginger, every component plays its own unique role to balance the dish perfectly.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for cooking the steak and peppers to achieve that perfect sear and tender texture.
- Red bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and vibrant color, lending a fresh crunch to the dish.
- Green bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Brings a slightly bitter and crisp contrast that complements the red pepper beautifully.
- Flank steak (1 1/4 pounds, thinly sliced): The star protein, known for its flavorful, lean qualities ideal for quick stir-frying.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dish with a fragrant depth that awakens your tastebuds.
- Minced ginger (2 teaspoons): Adds a light, zesty heat that brightens the entire flavor profile.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides savory umami richness and the perfect salty punch.
- Chicken broth or water (1/4 cup): Keeps the sauce luscious and helps meld the flavors together.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the savory notes with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish that clings to every bite.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon or more): Delivers a warming spice that’s essential for the pepper steak signature taste.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, chicken broth or water, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple sauce mixture forms the luscious glaze that will coat the steak and peppers, delivering that irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Bell Peppers
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften just slightly but still hold onto their bright colors and a bit of crunch. Remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside on a plate to keep their texture intact.
Step 3: Sear the Flank Steak
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot pan and add the thinly sliced flank steak. Cook it quickly on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the outside is beautifully browned while the inside remains tender with a hint of pink. This quick sear locks in juices and flavor, ensuring a juicy steak every time.
Step 4: Infuse Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook them for about 30 seconds, just until their aromas burst out and fill your kitchen with that welcoming, mouthwatering scent. This step is crucial for layering in those warm, fragrant hints that complement the steak and peppers perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken the Sauce
Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan, then give the sauce a final stir before pouring it over the steak and vegetables. Let everything simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that clings to each piece. Once reached, transfer it all to a serving dish and get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Easy Pepper Steak Recipe really pop, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a handful of sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add a lovely crunch and a hint of freshness that elevate the presentation and flavor without extra effort.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up the rich sauce beautifully. For a lighter touch, try a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to echo the crisp textures in the pepper steak and bring a vibrant green to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe over a bed of warm noodles tossed lightly with soy and sesame oil. Alternatively, wrap the steak and pepper mixture inside warm flour tortillas for pepper steak tacos that offer a flavorful fusion perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Easy Pepper Steak Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for lunch the next day or a quick dinner that just needs reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for much later, this dish freezes well. Place the cooled pepper steak in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will maintain its flavor for up to 2 months in the freezer — ideal for busy days when you crave a homemade meal without the prep.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftover pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat to keep the steak tender and the sauce glossy. You can also microwave it covered on medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak works beautifully for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye if you prefer more marbling and richness. Just slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your broth or use homemade chicken broth to avoid any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to accommodate dietary needs.
Can I add other vegetables to this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe?
Of course! Feel free to toss in sliced onions, mushrooms, or snap peas alongside the bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything stays crisp and fresh.
How do I get the steak extra tender?
For extra tenderness, marinate the thinly sliced flank steak in a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Also, cutting against the grain and cooking briefly over high heat helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the flank steak for firm tofu or seitan and follow the same cooking steps. Adjust the cooking times as needed to get a nice sear on your plant-based protein, and you’ll still get a deliciously flavorful pepper “steak” dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s quick, delicious, and feels like a special meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, loved ones, or guests, it’s a guaranteed hit that never fails to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of tender beef, colorful peppers, and that irresistible sauce—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
Description
Easy Pepper Steak is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender flank steak and crisp bell peppers in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of sweet and savory notes in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, chicken broth (or water), brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside for later use.
- Cook the Peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sear the Steak: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Place the thinly sliced flank steak in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the outside is browned but the inside remains pink, indicating medium-rare doneness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and minced ginger with the steak. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan. Stir the sauce mixture again to ensure cornstarch is fully integrated, then pour it over the steak and peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, optionally pairing with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Thinly slicing the flank steak across the grain ensures tenderness.
- Add more black pepper if you prefer a spicier taste.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to make a complete meal.
