Quick Pepper Steak Stir-Fry

Featured in Ready in 30 Minutes or Less.

Enjoy flavorful steak and crisp peppers lightly coated in a zesty sauce. A speedy dish for packed days!

Ranah
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:01:39 GMT
Close-up of juicy steak and colorful peppers stir-fried over rice. Pin it
Close-up of juicy steak and colorful peppers stir-fried over rice. | chefemmakitchen.com

Homemade Steak With Peppers Better Than Takeout

I picked up this Steak with Peppers technique from a local Chinese spot but tweaked it to taste even better in my own kitchen. What makes it work? Soaking juicy flank steak in a mixture of brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster and soy sauces before cooking does the trick. The magic unfolds when this flavor-packed beef cooks alongside bright peppers in that thick, rich sauce. Pop it on top of hot rice and you'll wonder why you ever paid for delivery.

Fast But Fancy

This meal nails everything you want - soft beef, crunchy peppers and a sauce that ties it all together beautifully. There's just enough sweetness from the brown sugar to work against the umami-packed oyster and soy sauces. It's amazing how something that cooks up so fast tastes like it's been simmering all day.

What You'll Need

Want me to break down exactly what goes into the marinade and sauce? I can tell you the precise amounts that'll give you that perfect flavor balance everyone loves.

A savory beef and colorful bell pepper stir-fry presented on a steaming bed of white rice. Pin it
A savory beef and colorful bell pepper stir-fry presented on a steaming bed of white rice. | chefemmakitchen.com

Cooking Your Beef

I can guide you through making this dish from start to finish, including my secret tricks for getting that perfectly tender meat and vegetables with just the right amount of crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the trick to slicing flank steak?

Go against the grain and keep the cuts thin for ultimate tenderness.

→ Can I prep this in advance?

It’s tastiest fresh, but you could chop veggies and marinate the meat the night before (up to 8 hours).

→ What are good sides for this?

It’s fantastic with plain rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice if you prefer.

→ Is there a good swap for flank steak?

Sirloin or skirt steak can do the job just as well.

→ Why did my peppers turn soft?

They need high heat and quick cooking to keep that crunch intact.

Quick Pepper Stir-Fry

Juicy steak strips stir-fried with fresh peppers, all tossed in a savory soy sauce blend.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Quick Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 big pan)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
02 1.5 pounds of flank steak, sliced thin.
03 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
04 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce.
05 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
06 2 green onions, chopped.
07 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger.
08 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
09 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips.
10 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips.
11 1 onion, sliced thin.
12 Salt and black pepper to taste.
13 3 minced garlic cloves.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.

Step 02

Let the beef soak in the mixture for 15 minutes.

Step 03

Quickly fry the beef in oil until it browns.

Step 04

Set the cooked beef aside after frying.

Step 05

Cook the veggies in the pan with ginger and garlic.

Step 06

Add the beef back into the pan with the veggies.

Step 07

Add some salt and pepper.

Step 08

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top.

Notes

  1. Perfect for a busy evening.
  2. Use hot oil for the best flavor.
  3. Slice your meat across the grain.
  4. Can be prepped ahead of time.
  5. Pairs well with noodles or rice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan or wok.
  • A sharp kitchen knife.
  • Mixing bowls for prep.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy-based ingredients.
  • Contains oyster sauce (shellfish).
  • Soy sauce may have gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~