Pepper Steak is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for serving over rice or noodles. Here’s a classic Pepper Steak recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for a sweet touch)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or substitute with honey or a sugar-free sweetener)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
For the Stir-fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, for the “pepper” in the pepper steak)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
- In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.
- Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the bowl and toss to coat the meat. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can also refrigerate it for up to 1 hour if you have time.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth or water. Stir in the cornstarch to help thicken the sauce later. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (all colors) and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Remove the veggies from the pan and set them aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the marinated flank steak in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir-fry until the beef is browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- If you like your steak well-done, you can cook it a little longer, but make sure not to overcook it, as flank steak can become tough.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add the garlic and ginger (if using) to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the cooked onions and bell peppers to the pan with the beef.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and vegetables, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and if you like it spicy, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak:
- Meat Options: Flank steak is the traditional choice, but you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even chicken if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for added texture and flavor.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer, or add a little more cornstarch mixed with water at the end.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
Variations:
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh in place of the steak for a vegetarian version of pepper steak. Just make sure to press and dry your tofu before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture.
This Pepper Steak is super flavorful with that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and peppery notes! It’s a great weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. 🍽
Would you go with a spicy version or stick to the classic savory flavor?
