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Easy Pepper Steak Recipe

By Grandma Millie

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Delicious Pepper Steak with bell peppers and onions served on a wooden table.

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.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 300

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Easy Pepper Steak Recipe

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 300

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced)
  • 1 each red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 each 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)
  • to taste Salt

Equipment

  • 1 Wok or SkilletFor stir-frying the ingredients.

Method

  1. 1

    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.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    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.

  5. 5

    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!

  6. 6

    Step 6: Combine Everything – Return the steak to the pan, add a splash of water, and stir to combine all those delicious ingredients.

  7. 7

    Step 7: Thicken the Sauce – Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. It should coat everything beautifully!

  8. 8

    Step 8: Final Seasoning – Season with salt if needed, then serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Pepper Steak!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories300
Fat15g
Protein25g
Carbs10g

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.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a delicious Pepper Steak dish!

Fresh ingredients for Pepper Steak displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 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-by-step preparation of Pepper Steak, showcasing marinating, cooking, and final presentation.

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

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineAsian
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
DietaryHigh Protein
Serves4
Best ServedHot 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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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!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

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.
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.
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.
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.

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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