Pepper steak sizzles to life with tender beef strips and vibrant bell peppers tossed in a glossy, savory sauce. Garlic and ginger perfume the pan as the beef, marinated in soy with a touch of honey, browns to juicy perfection. Crisp red, yellow, and green peppers add bright crunch and a pop of sweetness in every bite. Ready in about twenty five minutes, this easy stir fry turns a simple weeknight dinner into a colorful, comforting meal everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak
- Quick and easy to whip up for busy weeknights.
- Packed with vibrant bell peppers for a burst of flavor.
- Perfectly tender beef that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices.
- A satisfying dish that’s both healthy and delicious.
Pepper Steak
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Marinate the Steak – In a bowl, toss sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and sugar. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to soak up all those yummy flavors.
- Step 2: Heat the Oil – Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Get it nice and hot to ensure a good sear on the steak.
- Step 3: Cook the Steak – Add the marinated steak to the pan and stir-fry until browned. Once it’s looking good, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Onions – In the same pan, add garlic and onions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Step 5: Add Bell Peppers – Add the bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. You want them to retain some crunch!
- Step 6: Combine Everything – Return the steak to the pan, add a splash of water, and stir to combine all those delicious ingredients.
- Step 7: Thicken the Sauce – Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. It should coat everything beautifully!
- Step 8: Final Seasoning – Season with salt if needed, then serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Pepper Steak!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 10g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make a delicious Pepper Steak dish!
- 1 lb flank steak – thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper – sliced
- 1 green bell pepper – sliced
- 1 small onion – sliced
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – for seasoning
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce – adds depth of flavor
- 1 tsp cornstarch – for thickening
- 1/4 cup water – for the sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil – for cooking
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – for spice
- 1/2 tsp sugar – to balance flavors
- Salt – to taste
How to Make Pepper Steak
This delicious Pepper Steak recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. With a total time of 20 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, toss sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and sugar. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to soak up all those yummy flavors.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Get it nice and hot to ensure a good sear on the steak.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Add the marinated steak to the pan and stir-fry until browned. Once it’s looking good, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Onions
In the same pan, add garlic and onions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened.
Step 5: Add Bell Peppers
Add the bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. You want them to retain some crunch!
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the steak to the pan, add a splash of water, and stir to combine all those delicious ingredients.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. It should coat everything beautifully!
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Season with salt if needed, then serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Pepper Steak!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Asian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot over rice or noodles! |
Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak
- Slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Use a high smoke point oil for stir-frying, like canola or avocado oil.
- Add bell peppers at the end to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Serve this Pepper Steak
- Serve over fluffy white rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a colorful plate.
- Wrap in warm tortillas for a delicious pepper steak burrito.
- Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Pepper Steak later is easy!
Storing Pepper Steak Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Pepper Steak
- Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pepper Steak
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What cut of steak is pepper steak?
Pepper steak is typically made with cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. These cuts are tender and flavorful, making them perfect for quick cooking methods like stir-frying. Flank steak is particularly popular due to its rich flavor and ability to absorb marinades well, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
2. What is the best way to cook peppered steak?
The best way to cook peppered steak is to stir-fry it quickly over high heat. Start by slicing the steak against the grain into thin strips for tenderness. Heat a wok or large skillet, add a bit of oil, and cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. This method ensures that the beef remains juicy and tender while developing a nice sear. Add bell peppers and your favorite seasonings towards the end for a delicious finish.
3. What is the 3 3 2 2 rule for steak?
The 3 3 2 2 rule is a guideline for cooking steak to achieve the perfect doneness. It suggests cooking the steak for 3 minutes on one side, then flipping it and cooking for another 3 minutes, followed by resting it for 2 minutes on a cutting board, and finally slicing it against the grain for 2 minutes. This method helps to lock in juices and ensures a tender, flavorful steak.
4. Why is Chinese pepper steak so tender?
Chinese pepper steak is often tender due to the marinating process, which typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, cornstarch, and sometimes baking soda. These ingredients help to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender. Additionally, the quick cooking method used in stir-frying prevents the beef from becoming tough, resulting in a deliciously tender dish that pairs perfectly with the crisp bell peppers.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy Pepper Steak recipe in your hands, it’s time to bring some sizzle to your kitchen! Picture the tender beef and vibrant bell peppers coming together in a delightful stir-fry. It’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy every bite and share the joy with loved ones!