When dinner needs to be on the table fast but you refuse to settle for bland or boring, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes steps up in a big way. It’s the kind of weeknight wonder that tastes like you fussed, but you didn’t. Tender strips of seared beef, rainbow-hued bell peppers, and a glossy, savory sauce come together in one skillet—bold flavors, no stress, and absolutely no takeout needed.
The beauty of this stir fry lies in its simplicity. It’s a quick sizzle in a hot pan, a toss of bright vegetables, and a pour of umami-rich sauce that thickens to just the right cling. It’s healthy, hearty, and fast enough to make even on the busiest weeknight. And the best part? No complicated prep, just real ingredients that deliver real flavor.
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Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and a savory garlic-ginger sauce—all in under 20 minutes. A bold and satisfying one-skillet dinner perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 pound beef steak, sliced into bite-sized strips
3 bell peppers, any color, seeded and sliced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger or 2 teaspoons grated
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire-style sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Lightly crush the peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or by sealing them in a bag and pressing with a heavy pan. Sprinkle the crushed pepper and salt evenly over the beef strips.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and let it sear for about 1 minute without stirring. Toss and cook for another minute until just cooked through. Transfer the beef to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the bell peppers, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant and slightly tender.
4. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire-style sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring well. Cover and cook for about 2 minutes, until the peppers soften slightly and the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Return the beef to the skillet and stir continuously as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat once everything is well coated and heated through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
To keep the beef tender, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. For extra heat, add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the finished dish. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Why This Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
What makes this dish a true keeper isn’t just the taste—it’s the clock. You can have dinner prepped and plated in 20 minutes flat. That’s less time than it takes to scroll through delivery apps or wait for takeout. And the results? Better.
With only one skillet in play, cleanup is blissfully minimal. You’re not juggling pans or multitasking five burners. Everything cooks together quickly and finishes hot, juicy, and full of layered flavor.
The bell peppers add more than just color—they bring sweetness, a little crunch, and a fresh contrast to the deeply savory beef. Their natural sugars lightly caramelize in the pan, enhancing the dish with just the right hint of brightness.
And the combination of ginger, garlic, and crushed black pepper gives the stir fry its punch. It’s not fiery—it’s vibrant. Warm and slightly spiced, every bite feels balanced and crave-worthy.
The Key Ingredients That Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry Irresistible
Getting the beef right is key. You want a cut that’s tender enough to cook quickly—flank, sirloin, or skirt steak all shine here. The secret is in the slicing: thin, even strips cut across the grain make all the difference in texture.
Then come the aromatics—ginger and garlic. They’re not just background players; they bring heat, freshness, and that unmistakable stir-fry aroma that hits as soon as it hits the hot oil.
And don’t underestimate the sauce. Soy and Worcestershire provide umami depth, while beef broth adds body. A touch of cornstarch thickens it into a silky glaze that clings beautifully to every strip of meat and pepper.
Bell peppers are more than just a colorful addition. They balance the savoriness of the beef with sweetness and slight crunch. Whether you go with red, yellow, or green, each one brings something unique to the pan. Bonus: they cook fast and hold up well in a stir fry.
Mastering the Technique: Cooking Pepper Steak Stir Fry Like a Pro
The secret weapon in this recipe? Crushed black peppercorns. Crushing them freshly—not too fine—releases oils that elevate the beef with a subtle heat and a bold, rustic edge. It’s a tiny extra step that makes a big impact.
When cooking the beef, resist the urge to stir immediately. Let it sear untouched for a minute to get that golden crust. Then toss quickly to finish. Overcooking ruins everything—aim for just-done.
As for the veggies, timing is everything. Cook them until just tender but still bright and snappy. They should retain their shape and bite—never mushy. The sauce goes in last and cooks briefly, thickening just enough to bring everything together in a rich, glossy coat.
Pairings and Variations to Try With Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes
You don’t need much to turn this into a complete meal. White jasmine rice or brown rice are obvious go-tos, but don’t overlook cauliflower rice or even buttery egg noodles. Anything that can soak up that sauce is fair game.
This dish is also made for meal prep. It holds beautifully in the fridge and reheats without losing its texture or flavor. Pack it up with rice in containers and you’ve got lunches sorted for days.
Want to dial up the heat? Add a drizzle of chili oil or a few pinches of crushed red pepper. Prefer it mild? Use less black pepper and skip the ginger. This stir fry is endlessly customizable—you can even swap the beef for thin-sliced chicken or tofu and still keep the same great results.
More One-Skillet Dinners to Keep Dinner Simple
When you find a one-pan meal that checks all the boxes—flavor, ease, and speed—you don’t let go. That’s why it’s worth exploring other fast-and-furious skillet dinners that deliver just as hard.
If you’re craving something hearty and cheesy, the Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet offers a Tex-Mex twist with gooey comfort in every bite. It’s just as quick and satisfying.
For a spicier spin on a one-pan dinner, One Pot Spicy Chicken Rice brings heat and heartiness in a single skillet, with rice, chicken, and bold spices working in harmony.
These recipes follow the same winning formula: real ingredients, one pan, full flavor, and minimal mess. Keep them on rotation, and weeknight cooking becomes something you actually look forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes
Recette pepper steak RICARDO: Is this similar?
While the recipe from Ricardo might lean toward a more traditional Quebecois style, this version of Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes takes its cues from Chinese-American takeout flavors. It’s slightly lighter, faster, and built for modern kitchens.
Pepper steak en français: Comment le préparer chez soi?
Préparer un pepper steak chez soi est simple—faites sauter des lanières de bœuf avec des poivrons colorés, de l’ail, du gingembre, et une sauce à base de bouillon et de sauce soya. En 20 minutes, c’est prêt à être servi, chaud et savoureux.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh bell peppers?
Yes, frozen peppers can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from watering down the sauce.
How do I keep the beef from getting tough in stir fry?
The key is slicing against the grain and not overcooking. High heat and quick searing keep the beef juicy and tender. Avoid crowding the pan, and always let the beef rest briefly before adding it back to the skillet.
Conclusion: Fast, Flavorful, and Foolproof—Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a dinner recipe that fits your life—and your schedule. Pepper Steak Stir Fry in 20 Minutes does just that. It’s fast, bold, and flexible enough to please even picky eaters.
It takes everything you love about comfort food and gives it a lighter, quicker spin. A handful of simple ingredients transforms into something restaurant-worthy, without the overhead or the wait.
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a new staple, this stir fry delivers. It’s not just a dinner—it’s your new fallback plan, weeknight after weeknight.
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