Pepper Steak Stir Fry Meal Prep – Quick, Flavor-Packed
Introduction
If you’re tired of boring lunches and want something flavorful, colorful, and satisfying—pepper steak stir fry meal prep is the answer. This protein-packed dish combines tender beef strips, crunchy bell peppers, and a savory stir fry sauce that holds up beautifully for days. Ideal for fitness lovers, busy professionals, and anyone wanting a no-fuss meal prep option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2–3 tbsp water
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prep the Meat and Veggies
Slice your steak into thin strips against the grain. Wash and cut the bell peppers and onion. Set everything aside in separate bowls.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, garlic, and ginger. Stir until smooth.
🔹 Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned, then remove from pan.
🔹 Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
🔹 Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything to coat. Stir-fry for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Meal Prep Tips & Storage
Portion into containers: Add ½ cup of rice and top with the pepper steak stir fry.
Cool before sealing: Let food cool slightly to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Store: Keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry in a pan for 2–3 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Meal Prep Recipe
✅ High in protein
✅ Balanced with veggies
✅ Quick to make (under 30 minutes)
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Easy to customize with other proteins or sauces
Conclusion
Pepper steak stir fry meal prep is a flavorful, healthy, and time-saving option that fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle. With its tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and rich sauce, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also helps you stay on track with your weekly meals. Whether you’re cooking for fitness, convenience, or pure flavor, this recipe checks all the boxes. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your meal prep routine!
FAQs
🔹 Can I freeze pepper steak stir fry?
Yes! Just freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
🔹 Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. You can use sliced chicken breast or thighs as a leaner alternative.
🔹 What rice is best for meal prep?
Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice works great and reheats well.
🔹 Can I make this pepper steak stir fry spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat. Adjust to your spice level preference.
🔹 What cut of beef is best for stir fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are great options. They’re tender when sliced thin against the grain and cook quickly.
🔹 Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, frozen peppers work in a pinch. Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in your stir fry.
🔹 Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and make sure your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free.
🔹 How can I reduce sodium in this recipe?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and omit or reduce the oyster sauce. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
🔹 What vegetables can I add to this stir fry?
Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn make excellent additions. Just adjust the cooking time so all veggies remain crisp-tender.
🔹 Can I double this recipe for a family meal prep?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the beef in batches so it sears properly instead of steaming.
🔹 How do I keep the stir fry from getting soggy during the week?
Let the stir fry cool completely before sealing in containers. Store sauce separately if you prefer a crisp texture when reheating.
🔹 Can I serve this without rice for a low-carb option?
Yes! Serve it over cauliflower rice, steamed veggies, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb meal prep.
