“`html
If you’re craving a hearty, colorful, and utterly satisfying dish, the Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. This classic dish brings together tender slices of flank steak cooked just right, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant onions all coated in a luscious, savory sauce. Every bite bursts with a fantastic balance of sweet, salty, and slightly tangy flavors that make this recipe a go-to whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends. Trust me, once you try this version of pepper steak, it will quickly become one of your absolute favorites to whip up on busy weeknights or any time you want a deliciously effortless meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, well-rounded dish. Each component plays an important role: the flank steak brings the perfect amount of tender chew, the bell peppers add vibrant color and crunch, and the sauces bring deep umami notes with a hint of sweetness and acidity.
- 1 lb flank steak (sliced thinly against the grain): This cut becomes wonderfully tender when sliced properly and cooks quickly for a perfect protein base.
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or a mix, sliced into strips): Choose a blend of colors to add brightness and crispness to the dish.
- 1 medium onion (sliced thinly): Adds natural sweetness and a lovely depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic provides a warm, aromatic punch that elevates every stir-fry.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty, savory notes essential to the authentic taste.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds rich, slightly sweet umami for extra depth.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Introduces a hint of sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce and balances richness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Helps the sauce cling perfectly to the meat and veggies if you prefer it thicker.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying): A neutral oil that allows high heat cooking without burning.
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced): Adds a fresh, zesty note that complements garlic beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning layers that enhance the natural flavors.
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth (for sauce): Creates the perfect consistency and intensifies flavor when simmered.
How to Make Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain — this is key for tenderness. Season the slices lightly with salt and pepper. For an extra touch of flavor, toss the meat in a tablespoon of soy sauce and let it marinate briefly while you prepare the veggies. This simple step will make your steak juicy and packed with savory goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Quickly stir-fry the steak strips for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful brown crust but are not overcooked. At this point, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside—this prevents overcooking and keeps each piece tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Using the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking them for about 3 to 4 minutes so they soften but stay delightfully crisp. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking another minute until you can smell their fragrant magic filling your kitchen. This step ensures your veggies maintain texture and vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and your choice of water or beef broth. If you prefer your sauce thicker and clingier, whisk in the cornstarch now. This balanced sauce will bring all the flavors of your Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe together beautifully, creating that signature luscious coating.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked steak to the skillet and pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and every piece is coated in that rich glaze. This final step melds the pepper steak flavors perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with savory sweetness and a touch of tang.
How to Serve Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds can add a lovely finish to this dish. These garnishes brighten up the plate and introduce subtle texture that keeps things interesting.
Side Dishes
Pepper steak pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or simple egg noodles, which soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad for refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving the pepper steak over crispy fried rice or stuffed inside warm tortillas for a fusion-style wrap. Another great option is to pile it atop a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, letting the vibrant colors shine on the plate for a beautiful, appetizing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty if not better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep or save some for later, freeze the cooked pepper steak in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat your pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry, to keep the meat tender and the sauce rich. Avoid microwaving when possible as it can toughen the beef, but it works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can use sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to slice against the grain for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan to enjoy a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and keep the sauce components the same for fantastic flavor.
What kind of bell peppers work best?
A mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers makes for the best combination of sweetness and color. You can choose your favorite colors or use whatever you have on hand to keep it vibrant and tasty.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking. This is a great time-saver and lets you focus on quick stir-frying when ready to eat.
Should I use fresh ginger or ginger powder?
Fresh ginger is recommended for its bright, zesty flavor that complements the garlic perfectly. However, if you don’t have fresh, a small pinch of ground ginger will work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is a comforting and delightful dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s quick to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a home-cooked meal full of love. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of those dishes you turn to again and again for an easy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
“`
Print
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Pepper Steak stir-fry featuring tender flank steak and vibrant bell peppers, cooked in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a weekday dinner, this dish combines the boldness of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces with the freshness of ginger and garlic for a balanced, delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for marinating)
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or mixed), sliced into strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain and season lightly with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, toss the beef slices in a tablespoon of soy sauce and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and ginger, then cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water or beef broth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Plate the pepper steak alongside steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy as-is with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives.
- Use flank steak or skirt steak for best tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger according to taste preferences.
- Adding cornstarch is optional but helps achieve a glossy, thickened sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite noodles to complete the dish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
