Pepper Steak with Onion Stir Fry

Looking for an easy beef stir fry for weeknights? This Pepper Steak with Onion Stir Fry is savory, satisfying, and super quick to make! Marinated strips of beef stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers and tender onions-what's not to love?

Jump to:

• About the ingredients
• How to cook Pepper Steak with Onion Stir Fry
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Pepper Steak with Onion Stir Fry Recipe
• Pin for later!
• Want to learn more?
• More Delicious and Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipes!

About the ingredients

Here's some additional info / tips for cooking Pepper Steak:

Beef

For stir fry, I recommend using flank steak, sirloin, ribeye or new york strip. These options are more tender. Flank steak and sirloin are more budget friendly while ribeye and new york strip may be more of a premium dish.

You'll want to slice the beef into strips, or you can also thinly slice it against the grain or cut into cubes-whatever your preference. Slicing against the grain helps break up muscle fibers for extra tenderness. We'll also be marinating the beef to help tenderize and add even more flavor.

Peppers

You can use different types of peppers! Here are my two go-to choices:

• Bell Peppers:
  Classic for this dish. Green has a slightly bitter flavor, while red, yellow, and orange are sweeter. Use a mix if you like color and balance.
• Jalapeño Peppers (Optional):
  Add a spicy kick! Remove the seeds for less heat or keep them in for more fire.

Feel free to try it with any other peppers you like!

Onions

You can use any type of onions you prefer but I usually use yellow onions or white onions. Yellow onions are kind of default. They have a balanced flavor that becomes sweeter when cooked. White onions are a little bite more sharp and pungent compared to yellow. Sweet onions is another great option.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory-sweet umami flavor and is perfect for stir fries. It brings depth to the dish and helps everything come together with a glossy finish.

If you don't have oyster sauce, try one of these swaps:

• Hoisin sauce (slightly sweeter but works in a pinch)
• Thick soy sauce (soy paste) - I love using this one sometimes, decent texture match but flavor is a bit different
• Vegetarian oyster sauce (usually mushroom-based - I actually usually use this instead of regular oyster sauce cause I prefer the flavor! It's made with mushrooms!)
• Or a mix of soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and cornstarch: This mimics the flavor and thickness a bit, but won't have the same umami depth as oyster sauce.

Sesame oil

Sesame oil adds a fragrant nutty flavor! As a marinade it helps flavor the meat and also it is an oil, and oil adds moisture and can tenderize the meat.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch in marinades help coat the beef. This helps tenderize it by preventing the beef from drying out when stir frying and it also helps the marinade stick to the meat.

How to cook Pepper Steak with Onion Stir Fry

First gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb beef, cut into strips, cubes, or thin slices (flank, sirloin, or ribeye)
• 4 oz pepper of choice (bell pepper, jalapeño, poblano, etc.)
• 4 oz onion, cut into chunks or thin slices
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• For the Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Prep the ingredients:
Slice, cube, or strip the beef as desired. Cut peppers and onions to your preferred shape (chunks or slices). Slice scallions and ginger; mince garlic.

Marinate the beef:
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice wine, and sugar. Let marinate for at least 15-30 minutes (up to 24 hours in the fridge if prepping ahead).

Cook the beef:
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced ginger and marinated beef. Stir-fry until mostly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Stir-fry the veggies:
Add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic, peppers, and onions for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Bring it all together:
Return the beef to the pan, add scallions and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 more minutes until beef is cooked through and well coated in sauce.

Serve: Remove from heat and serve! Enjoy!

By the way I made it again the other day and I sliced the beef and onions this time, and also used Poblano peppers (the store was out of jalapeno and bell peppers! Crazy, right??)

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked stir fry for up to 2 months-though peppers and onions may soften a bit after thawing.

Reheating:

• Stovetop (best): Heat a splash of oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add leftovers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-45 second intervals, stirring between bursts, until hot.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the beef, chop the vegetables, and mix the marinade ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then stir-fry when ready.

What can I serve with Pepper Steak Stir Fry?
It pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast, chicken thigh, or pork tenderloin work well-just adjust cooking time so the meat is fully cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your soy sauce (or tamari), oyster sauce, and rice wine are labeled gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?
Add sliced fresh jalapeños, dried red chilies, or a spoonful of chili paste (like sambal oelek) when stir-frying the vegetables.

Pin for later!

Want to learn more?

Check out my FULL BLOWN "How to Stir Fry at Home" eBook! You will learn everything you need to know to master stir fries at home!

More Delicious and Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipes!

• If you love noodles, you have to try this Beef Noodles Stir Fry! Marinated beef stir fried with garlic, carrots, onions, snow peas, and tender noodles in a tasty sauce! This recipe is yummy and easy to make!
• How about another easy and yummy stir fry? Try my Mongolian Beef Stir Fry! This flavorful dish is popular in Chinese restaurants, and also actually very easy to make at home!
• If you are looking for a classic Chinese dish, check out my Beef and Yu Choy Stir Fry! Packed with protein and leafy greens! The beef is marinated, and then stir fried with yu choy (aka choy sum) in a tasty sauce.
• Only have ground beef? No worries! Make this delicious Stir Fry Ground Beef recipe! It features ground beef, onions, mushrooms, and garlic, sprinkled with green onions in a soy sauce mixture!