Description
This Pepper Steak Recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef slices, crisp bell peppers, and a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Whether you prefer a classic version, a spicy twist, or a low-carb option, this restaurant-quality meal is easy to customize and always satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating the beef)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing)
Instructions
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Thinly slice the steak against the grain for tenderness.
- Toss the beef with 1 tbsp cornstarch to help with browning.
✅ Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
✅ Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned.
- Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
✅ Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same pan.
- Stir-fry the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
✅ Step 5: Combine & Simmer
- Return the beef to the pan.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
✅ Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions (optional).
Notes
✔ Slice Against the Grain: Always cut the beef against the grain to keep it tender.
✔ Use High Heat: Stir-frying at high heat gives the best texture and prevents sogginess.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Beef: Quick cooking (1-2 minutes per side) ensures juicy and tender meat.
✔ Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the beef in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Fat: ~14g
- Saturated Fat: ~4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~32g
- Cholesterol: ~65mg
Keywords: Pepper Steak Recipe