Sizzling Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

Juicy pepper steak bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a culinary symphony.

Seared beef strips mingle seamlessly with colorful bell peppers in this classic comfort dish.

Fragrant onions add depth and complexity to every delectable bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily craft at home.

Tender meat caramelizes beautifully when cooked with precision and care.

Quick cooking techniques ensure maximum flavor retention in this delightful recipe.

Savor each mouthwatering moment and transform your weeknight dinner into an extraordinary dining experience.

Pepper Steak Serves Savory Sauce with a Tender Bite

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whips up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality flavor without complex preparation.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Delivers lean beef with vibrant vegetables, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every bite.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable with options to adjust spice levels, swap protein, or modify vegetables based on personal preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Uses single skillet cooking technique, reducing dishes and making post-meal cleanup a breeze for anyone seeking convenience in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Pepper Steak

• Beef Strips: Tender meat that provides protein and creates the base of the dish, best when using sirloin or flank steak with good marbling.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Provide deep umami flavor and saltiness, choose low-sodium versions for better control of salt content.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy note to balance the rich flavors.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that give sharp, complex flavor profile, always use freshly minced for best taste.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, authentic Asian cuisine flavor, use sparingly as it's intense.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding heat and spiciness.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and sweetness, mix different pepper colors for visual appeal.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point perfect for stir-frying.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add texture and visual interest.

Pepper Steak Stir-Fry Directions

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavorful Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Whisk everything together until smooth and set aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Toss in beef strips and stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and cook through.

Transfer the beef to a separate plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Saute Colorful Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a splash more oil.

Toss in bell peppers and onions, stirring and dancing them around for 4-5 minutes.

You want them tender but still maintaining a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything.

Stir enthusiastically to ensure every morsel gets coated in the rich, glossy sauce.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings lovingly to the meat and veggies.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and plate over steamed rice or noodles.

For an extra touch of excitement, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top.

Dive in while it’s hot and savor the explosion of flavors!

Quick Dinner Tips for Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers

• Pat beef strips dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Let beef sit in half the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and depth of flavor.
• Use high heat for stir-frying to maintain vegetables' crisp texture and prevent soggy results.
• Mix cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to meat and vegetables.
• Swap beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.

Pepper Steak Storage and Reheating Guide

• Place leftover pepper steak in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled pepper steak to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal completely, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and restore moisture.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently. Add a little extra sauce or water to refresh the meat and vegetables, bringing back the original juicy texture.

Pairing Options for Pepper Steak

• Pair with Zesty Riesling: Light, slightly sweet German white wine cuts through the pepper steak's rich flavors and complements the tangy sauce with its crisp acidity.
• Balance with Asian Beer: Crisp lager like Sapporo or Tsingtao neutralizes the dish's spiciness and matches its savory Asian-inspired profile perfectly.
• Enhance with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant rice absorbs the sauce's complex flavors and provides a smooth textural contrast to the tender beef and crunchy peppers.
• Boost with Green Tea: Earthy, mild green tea cleanses the palate between bites and harmonizes with the steak's umami and ginger notes.

Pepper Steak With Sauce Switches

• Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, pressed and cut into strips. Marinate protein in sauce before cooking for deeper flavor absorption.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder for sauce thickening.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip rice or noodles. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Kick Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce. Include sliced jalapeños during vegetable stir-fry for extra heat.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Sirloin, flank, or strip steak are perfect choices. They’re tender, cook quickly, and slice easily into thin strips.

• How can I slice the beef thinly and evenly?

Partially freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This firms up the meat and makes cutting thin, uniform strips much easier.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to the marinade. You can also include sliced fresh chili peppers during stir-frying for extra heat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. Use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm your oyster sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory pepper steak dances with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, creating a classic Asian-inspired main course. Juicy beef strips sizzle alongside tender vegetables, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with vegetable oil. Swiftly sear beef strips for 2-3 minutes until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior and reach desired doneness. Transfer cooked beef to a separate plate.
3. In the same sizzling skillet, introduce additional oil and toss bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry vigorously for 4-5 minutes, maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
4. Reunite the beef with the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, ensuring every morsel is generously coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to transform into a glossy, clingy glaze.
5. Once the sauce reaches perfect consistency, immediately transfer the pepper steak to serving plates. Complement with steamed rice or noodles, and optionally crown with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for a tender, juicy pepper steak that’s not too fatty.
• Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Marinate beef for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and soften meat texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding sriracha for spice lovers.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch carefully to prevent clumping.
• Create a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Quickly stir-fry vegetables to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg