Pepper Steak is a simple and tasty dish loaded with juicy beef, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will love!
This dish is a great way to add some colors to your plate. I enjoy serving it with rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Plus, it’s easy enough for those busy nights! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: I recommend flank steak for its tenderness and flavor. However, sirloin or even skirt steak can work well if you prefer. For a budget-friendly option, you could use stew meat or chicken thigh, but adjust the cooking time as these may require longer.
Bell Peppers: The mix of green, red, and yellow peppers adds both color and sweetness. Feel free to substitute with orange or even purple bell peppers. If you’re looking for a twist, you can use zucchini or snap peas instead.
Onions: A sweet onion works best for this dish! If you don’t have one on hand, yellow onions are great—just remember they have a more robust flavor. Red onions can also be a nice option for a bite of color.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, look for tamari. Oyster sauce adds depth to the dish—if you’re vegetarian, consider mushroom sauce as a substitute. You can skip hoisin, but it brings a lovely sweetness.
How Do I Get the Steak Tender and Juicy?
The key to tender steak is slicing it properly. Always cut against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew. Also, searing it quickly in a hot pan helps to lock in the juices.
- Make sure your pan or skillet is hot before adding the steak.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps to achieve that perfect sear.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy!
What’s the Best Way to Stir-Fry Vegetables?
Stir-frying is all about speed and high heat! Here’s how to get perfectly cooked veggies:
- Always heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding vegetables.
- Start with aromatics like garlic and onions, then add harder vegetables like bell peppers next.
- Keep stirring to prevent burning, and cook until they’re bright and slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes.
With these tips, your Pepper Steak will be vibrant, flavorful, and delicious! Enjoy your cooking journey!
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness and depth)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes to enjoy this colorful and tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with cornstarch until it’s well-coated. This step will help thicken the sauce later and keep the steak tender.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), brown sugar, beef broth, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this mixture aside; it’s what will give your dish that delicious flavor!
3. Sear the Steak:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear quickly for about 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
5. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften yet still remain crisp. You want them colorful and bright!
6. Bring it All Together:
Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and vegetables, making sure everything gets nicely coated.
7. Cook and Thicken:
Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the steak is cooked through. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
8. Final Touch:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like more heat, add a pinch more crushed red pepper!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your flavorful Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use ribeye or even chicken breast for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the meat to ensure it’s cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for the Bell Peppers?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use any color of bell pepper like orange or purple, or even other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas for a tasty twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice the vegetables and meat a day ahead. Simply store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, it will come together quickly! Just note that time may vary if you’re using the prepped vegetables.
