Pepper steak is a quick and tasty dish filled with juicy beef, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Yum!
When I make this dish, the sizzling sounds in the kitchen make my family rush to the table. Plus, you can serve it over rice for a heartwarming meal everyone loves!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts work great because they cook quickly and are tender when sliced thin. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap in chicken or tofu for a tasty alternative.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors—red, green, and yellow—for a pop of flavor and nutrition. If you’re missing one color, no worries! Just use more of the others or even add in some diced jalapeños for a kick.
Onion: Any type of onion works, but yellow onions add sweetness. If you’re sensitive to onions, try using shallots or green onions, which have a milder taste.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is great, but if you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. They add that umami flavor without gluten.
Oyster Sauce: This is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use it, simply double the amount of soy sauce or use hoisin sauce for sweetness.
How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Beef?
Getting the beef just right is key here! Start by slicing it thin against the grain. This will help it stay tender. When cooking, make sure your skillet is hot enough so the beef sears instead of stews. Quick stir-frying keeps the beef juicy.
- Heat your oil until it’s shimmering before adding the beef.
- Cook in small batches if your skillet is crowded; overloading can trap steam and make it tough.
- Keep an eye on doneness—3-4 minutes is usually enough for thin strips.
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks or thick slices
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pepper Steak takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and heartwarming dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and beef broth or water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This will be our flavorful sauce. Set it aside for later!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef to the hot skillet. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir-fry quickly for about 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked. Then, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside—don’t forget to give it some breathing room!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s nice and fragrant. Next, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a nice crunch!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, return the partially cooked beef to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the prepared sauce all over the mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust any seasoning if necessary—add more soy sauce or pepper to your liking! When you’re happy with it, remove the skillet from heat. If you want to dress it up, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
6. Serve:
Serve this vibrant Pepper Steak hot over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, and watch everyone enjoy this delightful dish!
Enjoy your delicious, colorful Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breast, pork, or even shrimp in place of beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: chicken and pork will need a few extra minutes, while shrimp cooks much quicker.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes. For a low-sodium option, you might consider using low-sodium soy sauce or making a homemade soy sauce alternative with broth and spices.
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 a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry. Just keep an eye on cooking times so everything stays tender-crisp.
