Pepper Steak With Bell Peppers And Onion Recipe

Sizzling Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

Succulent beef slices dancing with vibrant pepper steak in a sizzling symphony of flavors tantalize taste buds like never before.

Bold spices and tender meat create an irresistible culinary experience.

Rich, savory notes blend perfectly with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions.

The dish brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table.

Weeknight meals transform into gourmet adventures with this simple yet incredible recipe.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, promising restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will make your dinner memorable.

What’s Tasty About Pepper Steak with Peppers

  • Quick Weeknight Hero: Whip up this delicious pepper steak in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor-Packed Protein Punch: Marinating beef in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend ensures each bite is incredibly tender and bursting with rich, umami flavors that will tantalize taste buds.
  • Veggie-Loaded Nutrition Boost: Colorful bell peppers and onions add vibrant nutrition, crunch, and visual appeal, transforming this simple stir-fry into a well-balanced, wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
  • One-Pan Dish: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that uses a single skillet, making preparation and post-meal washing a breeze for home cooks seeking convenience.

What You Need for Pepper Steak with Onions

Main Protein:
  • Beef: Tender slices perfect for a quick and flavorful stir-fry.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful and crisp veggies that add wonderful crunch and sweetness.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic flavor boosters that bring depth to the dish.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Rich umami sauces that create a delicious base.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.
  • Beef Broth or Water: Adds moisture and helps create the sauce.

Instructions for Pepper Steak & Bell Peppers

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, blend soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.

Toss thinly sliced beef into the mixture, ensuring each piece gets fully coated.

Let the beef soak up those delicious flavors for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Beef to Perfection

Fire up a large skillet or wok over high heat.

Drizzle in vegetable oil and carefully lay beef slices in a single layer.

Work in batches if needed.

Sear each slice for 1-2 minutes per side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Transfer seared beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Dance with Vegetables

In the same sizzling skillet, add another splash of oil.

Toss in:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions

Sauté these colorful veggies for 3-4 minutes, keeping them tender yet wonderfully crisp.

Step 4: Aromatic Explosion

Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the skillet.

Stir-fry for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the seared beef to the skillet.

Pour in beef broth or water, stirring to marry all ingredients.

Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Give everything a final gentle toss.

Serve piping hot alongside fluffy rice or slurp-worthy noodles.

Key Tips for Pepper Steak Perfection

  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Let beef sit in sauce for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and meat texture.
  • Use a blazing hot skillet to create perfect caramelized edges on beef without overcooking.
  • Sauté peppers and onions briefly to maintain crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  • Cornstarch in marinade helps create a silky, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to meat and vegetables.

Storing & Reheating Pepper Steak Properly

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Warm pepper steak over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Place steak in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Reheat gently to maintain meat's tenderness and prevent becoming tough or rubbery. Add extra sauce if needed to keep moisture.

Great Sides for Pepper Steak and Onions

  • Pair Perfectly with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the rich, savory beef flavors and cuts through the dish's umami profile.
  • Create Crisp Vegetable Balance: Serve alongside a fresh cucumber and radish salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, spicy steak.
  • Enhance with Aromatic Rice: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice with a hint of ginger and scallions to absorb the flavorful pepper steak sauce and add subtle complementary notes.
  • Elevate with Asian-Inspired Beverage: Select a cold Sapporo beer or green tea to refresh the palate and balance the dish's intense meat and pepper characteristics.

Variations for Pepper Steak Dishes

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. Use cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder for thickening.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan slices. Marinate plant-based protein using the same sauce mixture for similar flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip rice or noodles. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's core flavors.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to increase heat level. Include sliced jalapeños with bell peppers for extra spiciness.

FAQs

  • Is pepper steak a traditional Chinese dish?

Pepper steak is an American-Chinese fusion dish, popularized in Chinese-American restaurants, not a traditional Chinese recipe.

  • What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal cuts due to their tenderness and ability to cook quickly at high heat without becoming tough.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. You can also substitute cornstarch with potato starch.

  • How do I prevent the beef from becoming chewy?

Slice the beef against the grain, marinate briefly, and cook at high heat for a short time to keep the meat tender and juicy.

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Pepper Steak With Bell Peppers And Onion Recipe

Pepper Steak With Bell Peppers And Onion Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Pepper Steak brings Asian-inspired comfort to your dinner table with tender beef strips dancing alongside colorful bell peppers and sweet onions. Hearty flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each bold, satisfying bite of this classic stir-fry favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef steak (such as sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water

Instructions

  1. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl to create a marinade that will tenderize and flavor the beef.
  2. Slice beef thinly and thoroughly coat with the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Let the meat absorb the flavors for a minimum of 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Heat a large skillet or wok to high temperature, adding vegetable oil to create an intense searing environment for the meat.
  4. Carefully place beef slices in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until a rich, caramelized brown develops. Transfer seared meat to a separate plate.
  5. In the same skillet, introduce additional oil and quickly stir-fry bell peppers and onions. Maintain a crisp texture by cooking for 3-4 minutes over high heat.
  6. Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the vegetable mixture, stirring rapidly to release their aromatic essence and prevent burning.
  7. Return the seared beef to the skillet, integrating it with the colorful vegetables.
  8. Pour beef broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to create a glossy, slightly thickened sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Choose beef cuts like flank, sirloin, or strip steak for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
  • Slice beef against the grain to ensure each bite remains soft and easy to chew.
  • Marinate beef for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor penetration without making meat tough.
  • High heat is crucial for achieving perfect caramelization and preventing meat from becoming rubbery.
  • Use a wok or large skillet to create enough surface area for proper searing and even cooking.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or swap bell peppers with different varieties for color variation.
  • Prep all ingredients beforehand to maintain high cooking temperature and prevent burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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