Some meals have the ability to transport us back to a certain time, a certain place, and a certain feeling of comfort. For me, pepper steak stir-fry is one of those dishes. I remember my mother making this dish on busy weeknights, the sizzle of the steak hitting the pan and the aroma of garlic and soy sauce filling our home.

She didn’t need a recipe—just a few staple ingredients, a well-worn wok, and the confidence that dinner would come together in minutes. The vibrant bell peppers, tender strips of beef, and thick, glossy sauce created a meal that felt both simple and special at the same time.

Now, whenever I make pepper steak stir-fry, I think of those nights spent around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over a comforting homemade meal. It’s a dish that never fails to bring warmth and satisfaction, whether it’s for a quick family dinner or a meal-prep favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold, Savory, and Satisfying

The combination of tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich umami sauce creates an irresistible mix of textures and flavors.

2. Ready in Under 30 Minutes

With minimal prep and quick cooking time, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. High in Protein and Packed with Flavor

Flank steak is lean and protein-rich, making this dish a healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

4. Easy to Customize

From adjusting spice levels to swapping in different vegetables, this dish is incredibly adaptable to suit any preference.

5. A One-Pan Wonder

Minimal cleanup makes this a stress-free meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 12 ounces flank steak (or chuck roast or London broil)
• 1 to 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (to taste)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil)
• ½ teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

1. Tenderize the Steak
Coat the steak with baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Slice into thin strips, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, cornstarch, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Set aside.

3. Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the steak slices and sear for 1-2 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan.

4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Sauté the bell peppers and onion for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds.

5. Combine Everything
Return the steak to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320-350
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Sodium: ~600mg

This quick and flavorful pepper steak stir-fry delivers bold flavors with tender beef and crisp vegetables—perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal!

The Secret to the Perfect Pepper Steak Stir-Fry

1. The Right Cut of Beef

Flank steak, London broil, or chuck roast are all excellent choices because they remain tender when sliced thin and cooked quickly. Marinating or tenderizing with baking soda ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. The Magic of Baking Soda

A small amount of baking soda helps break down the fibers in the meat, making it incredibly tender without requiring hours of marination.

3. A Sauce That Packs a Punch

The sauce in this dish is a perfect balance of umami-rich oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.

4. The Right Cooking Technique

Cooking over high heat ensures the beef gets a beautiful sear while the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant. A quick stir-fry prevents overcooking and keeps everything fresh and flavorful.

5. The Perfect Pairing of Ingredients

Bell peppers and onions add a slight sweetness that complements the savory, garlicky sauce. The contrast between the tender beef and the crisp vegetables makes every bite dynamic and satisfying.

Best Ways to Serve Pepper Steak Stir-Fry

While this dish is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level.

1. Classic Steamed Rice

Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the savory sauce, making every bite rich and satisfying.

2. Noodles for an Asian-Inspired Twist

Serve the stir-fry over lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty, slurp-worthy dish.

3. Cauliflower Rice for a Low-Carb Option

For a lighter take, swap out traditional rice for cauliflower rice—it soaks up the sauce just as well.

4. Stir-Fried Vegetables for Extra Crunch

Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are excellent additions that enhance both the flavor and nutritional value.

5. A Side of Egg Rolls or Dumplings

For a restaurant-style meal, pair the stir-fry with crispy egg rolls or steamed dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired feast.

How to Customize This Dish to Your Taste

1. Adjusting the Spice Level

If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the white pepper and chili elements.

2. Switching Up the Protein

Not a fan of beef? Try using chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.

3. Adding More Vegetables

Bell peppers and onions are classic, but mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots also work beautifully in this stir-fry.

4. Making It Gluten-Free

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor.

5. Thickening the Sauce Even More

If you like your sauce extra thick, increase the cornstarch slightly or let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the Best Cut of Meat for Pepper Steak?

Flank steak is the most common choice because it’s lean yet tender. However, you can also use London broil, chuck roast, or even sirloin.

2. Why Do I Need Baking Soda in This Recipe?

Baking soda helps break down tough fibers in the beef, making it more tender. It’s a trick often used in Chinese restaurants for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can slice the meat and vegetables and prepare the sauce in advance. Store everything separately and cook when ready to serve.

4. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

5. Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! You can freeze both the cooked stir-fry and the raw marinated beef. If freezing before cooking, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before stir-frying.

6. What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?

You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.

Conclusion: A Dish That Brings Comfort and Flavor

Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting dish that brings together bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite, experimenting with new flavors, or simply looking for a quick and flavorful meal, this dish delivers every time.

With its perfectly seared beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, this stir-fry is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and versatile enough to adapt to any preference.

So, whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a recipe that will never let you down.

The only question is—what will you serve it with tonight?