Pepper Steak Stir Fry with Onions
A quick and flavorful Pepper Steak Stir Fry with Onions featuring tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this colorful and nutritious dish is easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauces & Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water (for sauce)
Other
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Optional: chili flakes or freshly ground pepper to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Cut the bell peppers and onions into even strips so they cook evenly. Mince the fresh garlic and ginger finely to enhance their flavor during cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, and cornstarch. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that will thicken when heated.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned but not completely cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and ginger first to release their aroma, then add the onions and bell peppers. Stir frequently until the vegetables soften but still retain a slight crunch.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through perfectly.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly by partially freezing it for 20 minutes before cutting.
- Cook on high heat for quick searing, preserving tenderness and crunch.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powdered for best flavor.
- Add cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: pepper steak stir fry, beef stir fry, quick dinner, healthy stir fry, gluten-free stir fry, easy weeknight meal