Here’s a classic Pepper Steak recipe—tender beef with bell peppers in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, perfect over rice or noodles.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the beef:
In a bowl, combine sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. - Cook the beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside. - Cook the vegetables:
In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Pour over the vegetables and stir to combine. - Combine beef and sauce:
Return the beef to the pan and cook 2–3 more minutes, stirring constantly, until beef is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired. - Serve:
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
💡 Tips:
- Slice beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Bell peppers can be swapped or combined with other vegetables like snow peas or mushrooms.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in at the end.
If you want, I can also give you a slow-cooker version of pepper steak that’s extra tender and hands-off while still keeping the vegetables crisp. Do you want me to provide that version?
