If you are craving a vibrant, savory dish that bursts with color and flavor, this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is exactly the comfort food you need. Featuring tender strips of seared beef mingling perfectly with crisp bell peppers and sweet onions, all coated in a rich, glossy sauce, this meal is both satisfying and quick to prepare. It’s a foolproof way to bring that beloved Chinese-American restaurant classic right onto your own dinner table, making every bite an absolute delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart and soul of this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy beef to the vibrant vegetables and bold sauces that come together harmoniously.
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin: Choose a tender cut and slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty umami kick and helps tenderize the beef.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to coat the beef for a silky, protected surface during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying, creating that perfect sear without smoke.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Provides sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a slight earthiness and crispness that balances the dish.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Brings sweetness and depth when slightly caramelized.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a bright, slightly spicy zing to brighten flavors.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Deepens the sauce’s savory complexity.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet umami boost that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the dish with a hint of tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Sweetens and harmonizes the savory ingredients.
- ½ cup beef broth: Creates a luscious base for the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A finishing oil that imparts a nutty fragrance.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish: Add crunch and fresh color just before serving.
How to Make Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Sear the Beef
Start by tossing the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade tenderizes the meat and helps create a beautiful, velvety coating when cooked. Let it rest for about 15 minutes to soak in the flavors. Then, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread the beef out in a single layer and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Set the beef aside while you prepare the veggies.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the same skillet and toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onions. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just tender but still have a bit of crispness that adds beautiful texture contrast. This stage ensures your veggies retain their vibrant color and fresh bite.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook everything together for about one minute, just until you can smell their intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen. This quick step layers in warmth and depth, elevating the entire dish.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce Ingredients
Return the seared beef to the skillet and pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth. Add the sesame oil for a toasty finish. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer so all the flavors meld beautifully. This is when the dish truly comes alive with a rich, glossy sauce enveloping every bite of beef and veggies.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Finally, whisk the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) into the skillet. Stir continuously and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens perfectly to coat the ingredients. Now your Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is ready to be garnished and savored!
How to Serve Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions adds a delightful crunch and bursts of freshness that brighten the entire dish. These small finishing touches bring an inviting look and extra layers of flavor that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. For a twist, try serving it over soba or egg noodles for a comforting, complete meal. A side of steamed broccoli or snap peas with a light drizzle of soy sauce will also complement this dish’s texture and balance perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual gathering, serve the pepper steak in crispy lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld experience. Alternatively, spoon the beef and peppers over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still delivers incredible flavor. No matter how you plate it, this dish’s vibrant colors and glossy sauce are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. It should be enjoyed within one to two months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating on the stovetop better preserves the tender texture of the beef and the crispness of the peppers.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best for tenderness and quick cooking, you can substitute with skirt steak or even ribeye if you prefer. The key is slicing thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for a similar sweet and savory flavor, though oyster sauce does provide a unique depth.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is mild and balanced by default. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a dash of chili oil during cooking to customize the spice level to your liking.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
While the classic recipe relies on beef, you can swap the steak for tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, plus ensure sauces are vegan-friendly. It will be a different but still delicious twist.
How long does the dish take to make?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, including the 15 minutes to marinate. It’s a fantastic weeknight option that feels indulgent but cooks up quickly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe enough for anyone craving a satisfying, vibrant, home-cooked meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Each step is straightforward, and the result is a dish that feels like a special occasion every time you serve it. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American
Description
This Pepper Steak recipe features tender slices of flank or sirloin steak stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired sauce. Enhanced with garlic, fresh ginger, and a hint of sesame oil, this quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss well to coat and let marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Stir-fry the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared beef back to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) into the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a filling meal.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili for extra heat if desired.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
