Name: 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive, avocado, or vegetable oil; 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips; 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips; 2 lbs flank steak, cut into thin strips; 2 garlic cloves, pressed; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 22 reviews

Dive into dinnertime with this 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry, the ultimate go-to when you’re craving an Asian-inspired meal that’s fast, flavorful, and loaded with color. Thin strips of flank steak are sizzled with vibrant bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce that clings to every bite. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and just a hint of heat, making it a satisfying main course you’ll want to whip up again and again—especially on busy weeknights!

30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together for this quick yet spectacular dinner. Each element has its own role, from boosting flavor to adding that signature stir fry texture or bringing dazzling color to your plate.

Oil: Choose olive, avocado, or vegetable oil for a neutral base with a high smoke point; this keeps your stir fry sizzling without burning.
Red bell pepper: Adds a natural sweetness and eye-catching color—slice it thinly for the best texture.
Green bell pepper: Offers a slightly more bitter edge, balancing the dish beautifully while enhancing the rainbow effect.
Flank steak: Thin strips of this cut cook up tender and soak in the sauce for maximum flavor—make sure to slice against the grain for the best chew.
Garlic cloves: Fresh pressed garlic brings those irresistible, bold aromas and a hint of sweetness.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger lends a warm kick and zesty note that brightens the entire stir fry.
Soy sauce: Provides deep umami and salt, creating the backbone of your stir fry sauce.
Brown sugar: A spoonful balances out the salty soy sauce while helping the sauce caramelize beautifully.
Corn starch: This thickens up the sauce so it clings to every strip of steak and pepper, giving that perfect glossy finish.

How to Make 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the pressed garlic, freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Give it a few extra stirs to make sure the cornstarch fully dissolves and the flavors combine seamlessly. Set the sauce aside—you’ll be amazed by how this simple mix turns into a sticky, glossy coating for your steak and peppers!

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers

Preheat a wok or a large skillet over medium heat, adding your oil to get things rolling. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers, and let them cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften just a bit while gaining those golden tinges, but not lose their crunch. Once they’re just right, scoop them out of the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Flank Steak

With the peppers resting, it’s time to turn the heat up to high and add your beautifully sliced flank steak to the pan. Watch in awe as it sizzles away, cooking quickly and taking on a gorgeous sear. Stir often to make sure all sides get that golden brown edge, which should only take a few minutes since the steak is sliced thinly.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Now, return the sautéed peppers to the pan with the steak. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce straight over the top, then toss everything together. Let it bubble and thicken for 2 to 4 more minutes so every bite gets a generous coating of that sweet, savory deliciousness. The colors, aroma, and sizzle will have you counting down the seconds until dinner is served!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Take the pan off the heat, and your 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry is ready to be enjoyed. Pair it with a bowl of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even atop a bed of noodles—whatever makes you happiest. Dinner is served, and you did it in record time!

How to Serve 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions elevates every bite, adding extra crunch and a lovely finishing touch. If you like a dash of heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil will bring just the right kick.

Side Dishes

This 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry shines alongside fragrant jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or your favorite stir-fried noodles. For something lighter, serve it with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple Asian cucumber salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Spoon your stir fry into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb, hand-held option, or pile it onto hot steamed buns for a fun party spin. You can even top a grain bowl or stuff it into a warm pita for a fusion-inspired lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply cool the 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches.

Freezing

Want to meal prep ahead of time? Let your stir fry cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the meat tender.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your pepper steak stir fry gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. The microwave also works for speedy lunches—just warm in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, to keep everything tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry?

Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for its tenderness, you can swap in sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye—just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to guarantee melt-in-your-mouth results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make your 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This stir fry is endlessly customizable. Try adding snap peas, mushrooms, carrots, or thinly sliced onions for extra color and crunch—you can tailor the veggies to match your fridge and your tastes.

What’s the best way to slice flank steak?

For the most tender bite, slice your flank steak thinly against the grain at a slight diagonal. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, ensuring each piece is easy to chew and soaks up plenty of sauce.

Can I make 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry spicy?

Of course! Add a teaspoon of sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce, or just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat, or let your diners customize their own plates with fresh chilies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s big on flavor and short on time, this 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry truly delivers. It’s colorful, comforting, and bursting with those bold, craveable flavors that’ll make you want seconds. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!