Indulge in the bold flavors of this Steak and Pepper Stir Fry, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender slices of steak are cooked with vibrant bell peppers and onions, then tossed in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. Serve over rice for a complete and delicious meal. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to whip up this mouthwatering stir fry in just a few simple steps!
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or finely minced fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 ½ pounds flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced into 1/2-inch wide strips
- 1 yellow onion, sliced into 1/2-inch wide strips
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch. Add beef broth, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and ginger. Whisk again to combine and set aside.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the sliced beef in a single layer and cook until browned, about 1 minute. Flip the beef slices and cook for another minute. Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining beef and 2 teaspoons of oil.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet and stir in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook until lightly browned and beginning to soften. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the bowl with the beef.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Warm: Return the cooked beef and vegetables to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Warm for another minute or two.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Steak and Pepper Stir Fry on its own or over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: (Calories will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Fresh and Hot: For the best dining experience, serve the Steak and Pepper Stir Fry immediately after cooking while it’s still hot and flavorful. The sizzling stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of freshness and color to your dish by garnishing it with chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley just before serving. These aromatic herbs enhance the visual appeal and provide a burst of flavor.
- Family-Style Presentation: Create a communal dining experience by placing the skillet of Steak and Pepper Stir Fry directly on the table. Let everyone dig in and serve themselves, fostering a sense of togetherness and sharing.
- Leftover Remix: If you have any leftovers, consider repurposing them into wraps, sandwiches, or salads for a delicious lunch option the next day. The tender steak and flavorful peppers make a versatile ingredient for creative meal ideas.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat leftover stir fry, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Save time during busy weekdays by prepping ingredients in advance. Slice the steak, peppers, and onions ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Freezing Instructions: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover Steak and Pepper Stir Fry for future meals. Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen stir fry overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, until heated through.
- Customize Your Portions: Adjust the serving size based on your appetite and the number of diners. Double the recipe for larger gatherings or halve it for a cozy dinner for two.
- Experiment with Leftover Sauce: If you find yourself with extra sauce, save it for future stir fry dishes or use it as a flavorful marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. Simply store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Teriyaki Twist: Substitute the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor profile. Add pineapple chunks and sliced mushrooms for an extra burst of tropical goodness.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding additional red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce. For a Thai-inspired twist, use Thai chili paste or Sriracha sauce for an added kick.
- Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate Asian-inspired vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, or baby corn for a colorful and nutritious twist. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
- Mushroom Medley: Enhance the umami flavor by adding a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms to the stir fry. Sauté them with the peppers and onions for a hearty and earthy dish.
- Citrus Zing: Brighten up the flavors with the addition of citrus zest and juice. Try orange, lemon, or lime zest for a refreshing and tangy twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint for added freshness.
- Hoisin Harmony: Replace the soy sauce with hoisin sauce for a rich and flavorful sauce base. Add diced water chestnuts and bamboo shoots for added texture and crunch.
- Korean-Inspired BBQ: Infuse the stir fry with Korean flavors by marinating the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil before cooking. Serve with a side of kimchi and steamed rice for an authentic Korean meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the steak and substitute it with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version of the stir fry. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before slicing and cooking.
- Coconut Curry Creation: Swap out the soy sauce for coconut milk and curry paste for a creamy and aromatic coconut curry stir fry. Add diced potatoes and carrots for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Give the stir fry a Tex-Mex twist by seasoning the steak with taco seasoning and adding corn and black beans to the mix. Serve with tortillas or over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a flavorful fiesta.
FAQs:
- Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak? Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak instead of flank or skirt steak. Just ensure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Is it Necessary to Marinate the Steak? Marinating the steak is optional but recommended for maximum flavor. You can marinate it for 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Can I Make This Stir Fry Ahead of Time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy nights. Cook the stir fry just before serving for optimal freshness.
- What Can I Serve Alongside This Stir Fry? This stir fry pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for added variety.
- How Do I Achieve Tender Steak? To ensure tender steak, slice it thinly against the grain before cooking. Additionally, avoid overcooking the steak to prevent it from becoming tough and chewy.
- Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh? Yes, you can use frozen stir fry vegetable blends as a convenient alternative to fresh vegetables. Simply thaw them before cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
With its tantalizing blend of flavors and simple preparation, this Steak and Pepper Stir Fry is sure to become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a delicious homemade meal. Whether served on its own or over a bed of rice, each bite is packed with savory goodness that will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Give it a try and elevate your dinner game with this easy and flavorful stir fry!