Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak

by

Pepper steak is a classic stir-fry dish that combines tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce with just the right balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this pepper steak recipe is easy to follow, incredibly tasty, and ready in under 30 minutes.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything from choosing the right cut of beef to step-by-step cooking instructions, helpful tips, serving ideas, and more.

Pepper Steak

Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less

  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes like takeout but healthier and fresher

  • Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies or proteins

  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this flavorful dish

Ingredients List

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 small onion, sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • ½ cup beef broth or water

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prep the Beef

  • Slice the beef into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.

  • In a bowl, toss the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it marinate while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil.

  • In a separate cup, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

  • Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Do not overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.

  • Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.

  • Sauté the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  • Return the beef to the skillet.

  • Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer.

  • Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.

Step 6: Serve

  • Serve hot over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

  • Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Pepper Steak

Best Cuts of Beef for Pepper Steak

Flank Steak

  • Tender and flavorful, perfect when sliced thinly.

Sirloin

  • Lean and affordable, great for quick stir-fries.

Skirt Steak

  • Another flavorful option but may require tenderizing.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

  • Slice Thinly: Thinner slices cook quickly and stay tender.

  • High Heat: Use a hot pan to sear the beef for that classic stir-fry flavor.

  • Don’t Overcook: Beef cooks fast—remove once browned to avoid toughness.

  • Add Sauce Last: Pour the sauce in once everything is nearly cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Protein Swaps

  • Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.

Veggie Add-ins

  • Mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or carrots can be great additions.

Gluten-Free Option

  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

  • Steamed White Rice: Classic and simple

  • Brown Rice: A healthier option

  • Noodles: Udon, soba, or even spaghetti

  • Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb version

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals with a splash of water to retain moisture.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Slice beef and chop veggies in advance to save time on busy nights.

  • You can also pre-mix the sauce and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the Pan: Leads to steaming instead of searing.

  • Undercooking Veggies: You want them tender-crisp, not raw or soggy.

  • Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry: This helps thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 380

  • Protein: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 18g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Sodium: 950mg

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 6g

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, pepper steak reheats well. Just keep the sauce separate until serving for best results.

What’s the best way to slice beef for stir-fry?

Freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing—it makes thin slicing much easier.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies to the sauce.

Conclusion

This pepper steak recipe is a weeknight winner—packed with flavor, ready in under 30 minutes, and easily customizable to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Pair it with your favorite rice or noodles, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal on the table in no time.