Few dishes strike the perfect balance between simplicity and bold flavors quite like pepper steak with bell peppers. This iconic stir-fry dish combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal that rivals your favorite takeout spot, this pepper steak recipe is a must-try. Packed with protein, fiber, and deep umami flavors, it’s the perfect dish for those who crave both nutrition and indulgence in every bite.
The Origins of Pepper Steak: A Culinary Fusion
Pepper steak is a dish deeply rooted in both Chinese and American culinary traditions. Its origins trace back to Chinese-style stir-fries, which emphasize quick cooking over high heat to preserve the freshness and texture of ingredients. When Chinese immigrants brought their cooking techniques to the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they adapted their recipes to suit local tastes and ingredients.
In many ways, pepper steak became an American-Chinese classic, featuring Western-style beef cuts paired with Asian-inspired seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Over time, different variations emerged, with some versions incorporating a spicy kick or additional vegetables like mushrooms and baby corn.
Despite its evolution, one thing remains unchanged: pepper steak is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that continues to be a favorite in households worldwide.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 medium bell peppers (one red, one green), sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for stir-frying
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red chili flakes for heat
- Sliced mushrooms for extra depth
- Cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips.
- Cut bell peppers and onions into uniform strips.
- Mince garlic and grate ginger.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
- Toss beef strips in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef strips for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables
- Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Stir-fry bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
- Return beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce.
- Stir to coat everything evenly and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and garnish with red chili flakes or sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Cup):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Why Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers is a Standout Dish
1. Quick and Easy to Make
One of the best things about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
The combination of tender, juicy beef with crisp, slightly caramelized bell peppers creates a contrast in textures that keeps every bite interesting. The sauce, made with a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of brown sugar, adds depth and complexity, bringing everything together beautifully.
3. Packed with Nutrients
This dish is not just flavorful but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Beef provides a high dose of protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
- Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, promoting overall health.
- Onions and garlic contribute immune-boosting properties while enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
4. Versatile and Customizable
While the classic version features beef, bell peppers, and onions, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. You can swap the protein, adjust the sauce, or add more vegetables to make it your own. Whether you prefer a spicier dish, a sweeter glaze, or a low-carb variation, pepper steak is endlessly adaptable.
Secrets to Achieving the Best Pepper Steak
1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
The key to tender, flavorful pepper steak lies in selecting the right cut of meat. Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work best because they are lean yet tender when cooked properly. Always slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
While this step is optional, marinating the beef before cooking can significantly enhance its taste and tenderness. A quick marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of cornstarch helps lock in moisture and creates a velvety texture once cooked.
3. Use High Heat for Stir-Frying
A crucial technique in making restaurant-quality pepper steak is using high heat. Stir-frying over high heat ensures that the beef gets a beautiful sear while keeping the vegetables crisp and vibrant.
4. Don’t Overcook the Bell Peppers
Bell peppers should be slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. Overcooking them will cause them to become mushy and lose their vibrant color. Stir-fry them just until they begin to soften, then toss them with the beef and sauce.
5. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste
The sauce can be easily customized to suit your preferences:
- For a sweeter version: Add more brown sugar or a dash of honey.
- For extra heat: Include red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers.
- For a richer umami flavor: Increase the oyster sauce or add a splash of hoisin sauce.
Ways to Customize Pepper Steak
1. Swap the Protein
While beef is traditional, you can substitute it with different proteins for a fresh take on this dish:
- Chicken – Use thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter alternative.
- Pork – Pork tenderloin works well and pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Shrimp – A seafood variation offers a quick-cooking, slightly sweet option.
- Tofu – For a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu and pan-fry it until crispy.
2. Add More Vegetables
Feel free to add more vegetables to increase the dish’s nutrition and color:
- Mushrooms
- Baby corn
- Snap peas
- Broccoli
- Carrots
3. Make It Low-Carb
Instead of serving this dish with rice or noodles, try pairing it with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- A fresh cabbage slaw
4. Experiment with Different Sauces
Instead of the classic savory sauce, you can try:
- Teriyaki-style sauce for a sweeter, Japanese-inspired twist.
- Black pepper sauce for a bolder, spicier flavor.
- Garlic butter sauce for a richer, buttery finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make pepper steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients in advance by slicing the beef and vegetables ahead of time. You can also make the sauce and store it separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook everything fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best flavor and texture.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beef tough.
3. Can I freeze pepper steak?
Yes! Allow the cooked dish to cool completely before freezing. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
4. What’s the best rice to serve with pepper steak?
Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice all pair well with this dish. You can also use fried rice or noodles for variety.
5. How do I keep the beef tender?
To keep the beef tender, slice it against the grain, marinate it if possible, and cook it quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking, as this can make it tough.
6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for thickening.
Conclusion: A Stir-Fry Dish Worth Adding to Your Recipe Collection
Pepper steak with bell peppers is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds—quick preparation and incredible flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers bold taste, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures.
With the ability to customize ingredients, adjust spice levels, and swap proteins, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Once you master the basics, you’ll find yourself returning to it time and time again.
So fire up your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the rich, savory goodness of homemade pepper steak. One bite, and you’ll see why this classic dish has remained a favorite for generations.
Print
Quick Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers – Simple & Delicious Dinner Idea!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Satisfy your cravings with this classic Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion recipe! Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions, then coated in a rich, savory sauce. This dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 medium bell peppers (one red, one green), sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: red chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Slice the bell peppers and onion into uniform strips. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir-fry the beef strips for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with optional red chili flakes or sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For Tender Beef: Slice the beef against the grain to ensure it stays tender when cooked.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Customizations: Add mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for extra veggies, or increase the spice level with sriracha or chili paste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
