Savor the delicious flavors of our Best Pepper Steak Recipe, a favorite stir-fry dish known for its tender slices of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory sauce. This recipe combines a variety of textures and tastes, making it a comforting yet dynamic meal. Paired perfectly with steamed rice, this best pepper steak recipe is ideal for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (choose red, yellow, or green for color variety)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Beef In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss the mixture to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for 15 minutes, which enhances the beef’s flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the beef is browned on all sides. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Combine and Cook Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir the ingredients well, coating the beef and vegetables evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Season and Serve Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Variation
- Spicier Pepper Steak: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
- Extra Saucy: Double the amount of beef broth, oyster sauce, and sugar if you prefer more sauce with your pepper steak.
- Vegetable Options: You can add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn to vary the texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Cooking Note
- Using High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook quickly and maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and make the vegetables soft.
- Selecting Beef: Sirloin is ideal for pepper steak due to its tenderness, but flank steak or skirt steak can also work if sliced thinly against the grain.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this pepper steak over freshly steamed rice for a classic presentation.
- Pair it with egg-fried rice or stir-fried noodles for a restaurant-style meal.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions for a visually appealing finish.
Tips
- Cutting the Beef: For easier slicing, freeze the beef for about 20 minutes beforehand. This firms it up, allowing for thin, uniform slices.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the vegetables as they cook to retain a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The sugar adds a hint of sweetness, but you can increase or decrease this to suit your taste.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the beef and chop the vegetables in advance. When ready to serve, just cook the beef and veggies to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Q: Can I substitute chicken for beef? A: Absolutely! Chicken breast or thigh slices can replace beef. The cooking time may need slight adjustment to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q: What can I serve with this besides rice? A: Stir-fried noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa work well as alternatives to traditional rice.
Q: How can I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little beef broth if it appears dry.
Conclusion
This pepper steak recipe brings together a medley of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce for an unforgettable meal. Ideal for busy nights, it’s quick to prepare without compromising on flavor. With endless variations and serving options, this classic pepper steak is sure to become a favorite go-to dish for family dinners. Enjoy the simplicity and delightful taste of this timeless stir-fry!
PrintBest Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 30
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (choose red, yellow, or green for color variety)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Beef In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss the mixture to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for 15 minutes, which enhances the beef’s flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the beef is browned on all sides. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Combine and Cook Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir the ingredients well, coating the beef and vegetables evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Season and Serve Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Cooking Note
- Using High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook quickly and maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and make the vegetables soft.
- Selecting Beef: Sirloin is ideal for pepper steak due to its tenderness, but flank steak or skirt steak can also work if sliced thinly against the grain.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
Nutrition
- Calories: 310
- Sodium: 620mg
- Protein: 26g