🥩 Pepper Steak (Tender, Savory, Stir-Fry Style)
A classic Chinese-American dish — tender beef with bell peppers in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect with rice or noodles.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp black pepper (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavors)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, finishing touch)
🥣 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, mix beef slices with 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tsp black pepper, and cornstarch.
- Let sit 10–15 minutes.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef until browned but not fully cooked (~2–3 minutes).
- Remove beef and set aside.
3️⃣ Stir-Fry Veggies
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil.
- Sauté garlic, ginger (if using), onion, and bell peppers 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but crisp.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce & Combine
- Add beef back to skillet.
- Stir in remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, broth, sugar, and more black pepper to taste.
- Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and beef is cooked through.
5️⃣ Finish
- Drizzle with sesame oil if desired.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
🔥 Tips & Variations
Tender Beef Tips
- Slice thinly against the grain
- Marinate with cornstarch and soy sauce for a silky texture
Vegetable Variations
- Add snow peas, mushrooms, or broccoli
- Use a mix of bell peppers for color
Spicy Version
- Add sliced fresh chili, chili flakes, or sriracha to the sauce
Sweet & Savory
- Add 1–2 tsp hoisin sauce or a splash of honey
If you want, I can also give you:
- A restaurant-style thick sauce version
- A quick 15-minute weeknight version
- A keto / low-carb version
Do you want it more savory or slightly sweet and glossy like takeout style?
