1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by washing and prepping your veggies and meat. Slice 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper into strips after coring and seeding them, which takes about 5 minutes. Thinly slice 1 1/4 pounds of flank steak against the grain for tenderness, and have 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger ready. This mise en place ensures your pepper steak stir fry flows smoothly and reduces cooking stress.

2-Second Step: Cook the Peppers Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, aiming for around 375°F to get a good sear. Add the pepper strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn tender but still crisp. Once done, remove the peppers from the pan to prevent them from overcooking and losing their vibrant color in this quick pepper steak recipe.

3-Third Step: Sear the Steak Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and crank the heat up to high for a fast sear. Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring as needed, until the steak browns evenly. This high-heat method locks in juices, making your steak stir fry juicy and flavorful for all types of home cooks.

4-Fourth Step: Add Aromatics Once the steak is browned, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for just 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning, which can add bitterness. This step infuses the meat with extra layers of taste, adapting well to different preferences if you’re tweaking for dietary needs.

5-Fifth Step: Combine and Sauce Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak for even mixing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the steak and peppers, then simmer for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly. Serve your pepper steak immediately over rice or on its own for a complete meal. The total time is about 20 minutes of cooking, making it a simple one-pan steak dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings. For those interested in steak variations, try our grilled chicken kabobs with vegetables for a fun twist on similar flavors. Nutritional info per serving includes 277 calories, 32g protein, and plenty of vitamins, so it’s a wholesome choice too.