Pepper Steak Recipe

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Juicy strips of beef, tender-crisp bell peppers, and a glossy savory-sweet sauce – that’s the magic of Pepper Steak. This vibrant dish is a stir-fry favorite for a reason: it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a home-cooked format that’s both quick and rewarding. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner warrior or just craving something bold and satisfying, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

The beauty of Pepper Steak lies in its simplicity. The flavors are bold, yet balanced: the savory depth of soy and garlic pairs perfectly with the sweet pop of bell peppers and the sizzle of seared beef. Serve it over a bowl of steamed rice or noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience that’s on the table in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use for Pepper Steak?

For the best results, choose a cut that’s both flavorful and tender. Sirloin, flank steak, or top round are excellent choices. Slice the meat thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender and cooks quickly. A quick marinade will boost flavor and enhance texture.

Ingredients for the Pepper Steak Recipe

Beef Steak (Sirloin or Flank): This is the star of the dish. Its robust flavor and ability to stay juicy under high heat make it ideal for stir-frying.

Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow): These add natural sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color contrast to the savory beef.

Soy Sauce: Acts as the umami-rich base of the sauce, seasoning both the steak and veggies.

Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics bring sharp depth and warmth, essential to an authentic stir-fry profile.

Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency and also lightly coats the beef for a silky finish.

Beef Broth: Adds richness and body to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.

Brown Sugar: Balances out the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness that brings everything together.

Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle at the end infuses the dish with toasty, nutty complexity.

Vegetable Oil: For high-heat searing and keeping everything from sticking to the pan.

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How To Make the Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef

Slice the beef thinly against the grain. In a bowl, toss it with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the vegetables.

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside. This will be your stir-fry sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and sear until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Peppers

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.

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How to Serve and Store Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak is best served hot over steamed jasmine rice, white rice, or noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a pop of freshness. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Pepper Steak?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic sidekick to soak up the rich sauce.

Garlic Fried Rice

Add an extra garlicky punch to complement the flavors.

Stir-Fried Green Beans

Keep it light with a simple veggie side tossed in garlic and soy.

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Crunchy and savory, they make a great appetizer.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Adds freshness and cool contrast to the hot dish.

Miso Soup

A warm, comforting start to any meal.

Kimchi or Pickled Veggies

Tangy and fermented sides add balance to the umami-rich steak.

Sesame Noodles

Slurp-worthy and satisfying, they make a great base too.

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Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Pepper Steak, you’ll be all in for these beef-packed bites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for cozy pasta goodness.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need dinner in a flash.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving cheesy indulgence.
• French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for comforting casserole vibes.
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta when you want bold, creamy flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use flank or sirloin? Did you spice it up with chili flakes or add mushrooms?

I love seeing your delicious spins on my dishes. Questions welcome too — let’s make dinnertime more exciting together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your next favorite dinner idea: https://www.pinterest.com/chefalchemy/

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