Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. What is the Pepper Steak Recipe that I make when I need something quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor? What’s a stir fry on steroids? What is a peppery, savory bite? If you’re a fan of beef and broccoli, get ready to meet your new love!
What is a pepper steak?
What is pepper steak? What is a Chinese-American stir-fry dish? What are some good bell peppers, and a savory sauce? Think of it as a happy marriage between comfort food and something exotic. The “pepper” part comes from the generous use of black pepper, which gives the sauce a lovely flavor. Is this Philly Cheesesteak a deconstructed Philadelphia steak? Some versions even include tomatoes or onions. What is a great weeknight meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are a million reasons to adore this Pepper Steak Recipe, but let me just highlight a few. What I love most is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of tender steak, sweet bell peppers, and that savory, slightly spicy sauce is just divine. My kids, who can be super picky eaters, devour it! Speaking of easy, this recipe is incredibly simple to make. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes tops, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And let’s talk budget-friendly. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to whip this up, which is always a plus in my book.
It’s super versatile, too. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even stuff it into hoagie rolls for a fun twist. What sets this apart from other similar recipes, in my opinion, is the quality of the steak and the perfect balance of flavors. I’ve tried so many variations, and this one just hits all the right notes – savory, peppery, and just a touch sweet. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the family without any complaints! I’ve even tried this recipe with sliced chicken and it worked just as well. Seriously, it’s THAT good.
How do you make a pepper steak?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make a pepper steak? How do you marinate a steak? What are some ways to stir-fry peppers until they’re perfectly crisp-tender? What’s your favorite way to toss everything together in a delicious sauce? What’s the best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes. I always make sure to prep all my ingredients before I start cooking, so it goes super smoothly. What is the best way to cook a steak?
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or canola works great)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Stir-Fry: What
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh is best!)
For the Sauce:
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 14 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and cooking oil. Set aside. Mix well to ensure the steak is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for tenderizing the steak and infusing it with flavor. I find that the longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it becomes!
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
How do you heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over high heat? Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender. You want them to be slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. What is the aroma of coffee?
Step 3: Cook the Steak
What are the best ways to cook vegetables in a skillet? Add the marinated steak to the other side and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s cooked through. How do you cook onions through and browned? If you overcrowd the pan, be careful not to overcook the steak, as this will steam it instead of searing it. If needed, cook steak in batches.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Brown Sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and salt. Set aside. What is the best combination of sesame oil and red pepper flakes? Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Cook steak and vegetables in a skillet or wok. Pour the sauce over them. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens and coats everything. Serve hot. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Serve
Serve pepper steak over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. I usually serve mine with a side of steamed broccoli for an extra serving of veggies.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best pepper steak recipes? In our house, it’s all about making it a complete meal.What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for an easy and satisfying meal. I sometimes add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans to round it out. I need dinner in 30 minutes. This is my go-to meal.What is a fun weekend meal?What are some good ways to serve pepper steak on hoagie rolls? What are some great side dishes to serve with provolone cheese?For a Healthier Option:Serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for an extra boost of nutrients. What are some good ways to enjoy the flavors without the calories? My family loves having this with egg rolls and crab rangoon for a fun “fake-out takeout”!
What are some tips for perfecting a pepper steak?
How do I make a pepper steak every time? I’ve learned a few things over the years, and I am happy to share them with you.What are the best steak Flank steak is my go-to for this recipe because it’s relatively inexpensive and slices beautifully. However, you can also use sirloin steak or even skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Marinating Magic: Don’t skip the marinating step! It really makes a difference in the flavor and tenderness of the steak. If you have extra time, you can marinate it for up to a few hours in the refrigerator.
High Heat is Key: When stir-frying the steak and vegetables, make sure your skillet or wok is screaming hot. This will give you that nice sear and prevent the ingredients from getting soggy.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth. I always taste the sauce before adding it to the steak and veggies to make sure it’s just right.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! I love using bell peppers, but you can also add mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, or snow peas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicier chili garlic sauce. I sometimes add a dash of sriracha for an extra kick.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So you’ve made a delicious batch of pepper steak, but you have leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the pepper steak cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day. I love packing it for lunch!
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Methods: To reheat, you can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the stovetop, heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed. For the oven, bake it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
A little word of warning: The texture of the peppers can change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious. If you want to keep the peppers as crisp as possible, I recommend adding them fresh when you reheat the steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Pepper Steak Recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Seriously, this is the kind of dish that disappears in minutes at my house. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other stir-fry recipes. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so be sure to leave a comment and let me know. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about those too! Don’t forget to rate the recipe below!
How to Make Pepper Steak That Wows: 7 Simple Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef sirloin steak Cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Green bell pepper Sliced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper Sliced
- 1 medium Onion Sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger Grated
Sauce
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce Low sodium
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
- 1 tsp Sesame oil Optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef strips and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and stir-fry until slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute, until heated through.
- Drizzle with sesame oil (optional) and serve hot over rice or noodles.
