Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry Recipe

Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry. This dish comes together quickly with tender strips of steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a sweet-savory sauce that’s better than takeout. It’s that magical blend of easy prep, bold flavor, and colorful presentation—making dinner feel like an occasion, even on the busiest days.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry plays its part in creating that irresistible flavor and colorful plate. These are the simple, everyday items that come together for a dinner that tastes like so much more than the sum of its parts!

• Top Round Beef (1 to 1 1/2 lbs): Tender, lean, and budget-friendly; slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture (flank or skirt steak works too!).
• Red Bell Pepper (1): Adds sweetness and a pop of color—crisp-tender when cooked just right.
• Green Bell Pepper (1): For classic stir fry flavor and a lovely contrast to the red pepper.
• Small White Onion (1): Onion brings mild, savory undertones and a slight crunch.
• Green Onions (optional, for serving): Sprinkle on top for freshness and a little extra flair.
• Olive Oil or Canola Oil (1–2 tbsp): Use for searing the steak—just enough to get a golden edge.
• Soy Sauce, low sodium (1 cup): The base of the sauce—umami-rich and not too salty thanks to using the low sodium variety.
• Brown Sugar (7 tbsp): For balance and just the right amount of sweetness in the glaze.
• Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Thickens the sauce for that restaurant-quality glossy coating.
• Ground Ginger (1/4 tsp): A subtle touch of warmth and fragrance in the background.
• Minced Garlic (1 tsp): Crucial for adding depth and classic stir-fry aromatics.
• Sesame Seed Oil (1/8 tsp): Just a drizzle amps up the nutty, toasty flavor.
• Pepper, to taste: Finish the sauce with a pinch for balance and a gentle kick.
• Rice (for serving): White, brown, jasmine—choose your favorite to soak up every last drop of sauce!

Variations

The beauty of Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry is how easy it is to customize. Switch up the veggies, adjust the sauce, or swap proteins—this recipe is designed to flex with what you love and have in your fridge.

• Swap the Steak: Try chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu instead—the sauce is delicious on just about anything!
• Veggie-Rich: Toss in snap peas, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch and variety.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar slightly or use coconut sugar for a less sweet glaze.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce if your family likes a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check your cornstarch.

How to Make Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry

Step 1: Slice and Prep Everything

Start by slicing your steak thinly across the grain—this keeps every bite meltingly tender. Chop the red and green peppers into medium strips, and dice the onion. Laying everything out now makes the actual cooking process feel like a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and pepper. The cornstarch is key for that glossy, clingy finish—just whisk until smooth and set aside until you’re ready to go.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and let it sear without too much stirring, so it gets those beautiful caramelized edges. Stir occasionally until the steak is almost cooked through—juicy and still a little pink in the center.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Add your chopped peppers and onions to the pan. Sauté everything together, just until the veggies are crisp-tender and the steak is cooked to your liking. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point—promise!

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce & Stir Fry

Give the sauce another quick stir (the cornstarch can settle), then pour it over the beef and veggies. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating everything in that luscious, savory glaze. It should take just a minute or two—if you like things extra saucy, make a little cornstarch slurry to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry over fluffy rice, sprinkle with green onions if you like, and dig in! Dinner is ready, and every bite is absolutely loaded with flavor.

How to Serve Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions are a must—they add a pop of color and a crisp bite that wakes up the dish. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or just a tiny drizzle of extra sesame oil makes things feel extra special. If you enjoy heat, try thinly sliced fresh red chili or a crack of black pepper on top!

Side Dishes

This stir fry is perfect served over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter touch. On the side, steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a cucumber salad make fantastic additions, balancing out the richness of the steak and sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stuff your Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry into lettuce cups for hand-held bites, or spoon it over rice noodles as a quick homemade “takeout.” To impress, serve in a shallow platter, family style, with a generous scattering of herbs and extra chopped veggies on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch tastes nearly as good as dinner!

Freezing

You can freeze Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry—just let it cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best texture, freeze without cooked rice, and use within 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, just warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal, you truly can’t go wrong with Easy Steak and Peppers Stir Fry. It’s vibrant, cozy, and guaranteed to disappear fast—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for effortless (and seriously tasty!) dinners. Enjoy every colorful, saucy bite!

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