Pepper Steak is a classic stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce served over rice. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make meal that delivers comforting flavors with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is fast, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal ingredients. The combination of tender beef and vibrant bell peppers in a rich sauce makes it a family favorite that you can prepare in under 30 minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef sirloin or flank steak
- Green and orange bell peppers
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cornstarch
- Beef broth
- Vegetable oil
- Cooked white rice
- Salt and pepper
directions
- Slice beef thinly and toss with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan and cook beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger, then return the beef to the pan.
- Pour in soy sauce and beef broth. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25 minutes
Variations
- Use chicken or tofu for a lighter alternative.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for more vegetables.
- Use hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over noodles instead of rice for variety.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
What’s the best beef cut for pepper steak?
Flank steak or sirloin sliced thin against the grain works best.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, but fresh peppers maintain better texture.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce; add a bit more if needed.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, it stores and reheats well for up to 3 days.
What rice should I use?
White jasmine rice is ideal, but brown or basmati rice also works.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to adapt the recipe.
Can I freeze pepper steak?
Freezing is possible, but the peppers may become soft upon thawing.
How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?
Slice it thinly and cook quickly over high heat.
Can I add other sauces?
Yes, try adding a splash of sesame oil or hoisin for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Pepper Steak is a quick and delicious stir-fry that brings together tender beef, colorful peppers, and a rich sauce in a satisfying, wholesome meal. It’s a great go-to for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
PrintPepper Steak
Pepper Steak is a quick and flavorful stir-fry made with tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce, served over a bed of rice. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers until tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and beef broth.
- Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked white rice.
Notes
- Use flank steak or sirloin for the best tenderness.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for more vegetables and variety.
- Use hoisin or oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over noodles for a twist on the classic.
- Reheat in a skillet for best texture; avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg