Here’s a classic, saucy, and satisfying Pepper Steak dish — tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory garlic-soy sauce. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect over rice or noodles!
🥩🌶️ Pepper Steak (Chinese-style Stir-Fry)
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the steak:
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1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
For the stir-fry:
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2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
For the sauce:
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1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
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2 tbsp oyster sauce (adds depth — optional but recommended)
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1/2 cup beef broth or water
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1 tsp rice vinegar or a splash of lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
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Black pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Marinate the beef:
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In a bowl, toss sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and sesame oil.
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Let sit for 10–15 minutes while prepping vegetables and sauce.
2. Make the sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, and vinegar. Set aside.
3. Sear the beef:
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
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Sear beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook veggies:
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Add another tbsp oil to the skillet.
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Stir-fry bell peppers and onions for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
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Add garlic (and ginger, if using) and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Combine & finish:
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Return the beef to the pan.
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Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies.
6. Serve hot:
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Over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
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Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired.
🔁 Tips & Variations:
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Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for more veggies.
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Use hoisin sauce for a sweeter profile.
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For extra heat, toss in chili oil or sriracha.
Would you like a slow cooker version, a meal prep version, or a low-sodium alternative?
