Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

Savory Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

Seared beef slices dancing with vibrant bell pepper steak create a mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises intense flavors and satisfying textures.

Succulent strips of meat caramelize beautifully in a hot skillet, releasing rich aromas that fill your kitchen.

Bold seasonings complement the tender protein, making each bite a delightful experience.

Crisp vegetable companions add color and crunch to this classic Asian-inspired dish.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly for a quick weeknight meal that feels like a restaurant-quality indulgence.

Savory juices mingle with sweet pepper notes, ensuring every forkful delivers maximum satisfaction.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start cooking right now to enjoy this irresistible pepper steak.

Why Pepper Steak With Bell Peppers And Onion Is A Flavor Bomb

  • Boost Flavor Fast: Marinating beef in a simple soy and oyster sauce mixture creates deep, rich flavors that make this dish taste like a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Quick Cooking Magic: Using high heat and searing techniques transforms ordinary beef into a tender, caramelized protein with restaurant-worthy results in just minutes.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers for your favorite vegetables or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this a versatile weeknight dinner solution.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Preparing the entire meal in a single skillet means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience for busy home cooks who want delicious food without complicated steps.

What You Need For That Pepper Steak Sizzle

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef: Tender, thinly sliced meat that serves as the primary protein for this classic stir-fry dish.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful, crisp vegetables that add sweetness and vibrant color to the pepper steak.
  • Onion: A flavorful vegetable that provides a sharp and aromatic base for the stir-fry.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Savory Asian condiments that infuse the beef with rich, umami flavor and help tenderize the meat.
  • Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and glossy sauce while protecting the beef during cooking.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Powerful, fragrant ingredients that add depth and traditional Asian flavor to the dish.
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the pepper steak.
  • Beef Broth: A liquid that creates a flavorful sauce and helps to simmer and integrate all the ingredients.

How To Sear Up Pepper Steak With Style

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Mix together the following ingredients in a bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Cornstarch

Coat the beef slices completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well covered. Let the beef soak up the flavors for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat a large skillet over high heat with vegetable oil. Carefully place the marinated beef slices into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops. Transfer the seared beef to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another splash of vegetable oil. Toss in the bell peppers and onions.

Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, keeping them crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Flavors

Sprinkle in minced garlic and grated ginger.

Stir quickly for about 1 minute until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the seared beef to the skillet.

Pour in beef broth and gently stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce transforms into a rich, glossy coating.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Plate over steamed rice or tender noodles and enjoy your mouthwatering pepper steak!

Steak Tips That Bring The Heat

  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Use high heat when searing beef to lock in juices and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Choose fresh, crisp bell peppers in different colors for vibrant presentation and varied nutrients.
  • Let marinated beef come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Zingy Twists On Pepper Steak Night

  • Spicy Kick Pepper Steak: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the dish.
  • Veggie Lovers Pepper Steak: Replace beef with tofu or portobello mushrooms, keeping the same cooking technique for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
  • Asian Fusion Pepper Steak: Incorporate sesame oil and rice wine into the marinade, then garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an elevated flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Pepper Steak Bowl: Serve the steak and vegetables over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the original recipe's essence.

Sidekicks That Love Pepper Steak

  • Pair with Bold Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich red wine complements the savory beef and cuts through its richness with robust tannins, enhancing the meal's umami flavors.
  • Create Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: Serve pepper steak over jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a soft, fluffy base for the protein.
  • Match with Crisp Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and green onions to add refreshing crunch and balance the dish's hearty profile.
  • Select Mineral-Forward Riesling: Light, slightly sweet white wine with high acidity cuts through the meat's richness and complements the bell peppers' sweetness.

How To Keep Pepper Steak Tender And Juicy

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover pepper steak to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezer Preservation: Wrap the pepper steak tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with rice or noodles.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm the pepper steak in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Pepper Steak FAQ Cheat Sheet

  • Why should I marinate the beef before cooking?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and create a protective layer that keeps the beef juicy and prevents it from becoming tough during high-heat cooking.

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a similar stir-fry style dish with the same seasonings and cooking method.

  • How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked?

Look for a nice brown sear on the outside and cook for just 1-2 minutes per side to keep the meat tender and prevent overcooking, which can make it chewy and dry.

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Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling pepper steak dances with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, creating a mouthwatering Chinese-American classic. Juicy beef strips and crisp vegetables promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

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

Seasonings and Sauces:

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

Vegetables and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) beef broth or water

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat beef slices and let them absorb flavors for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Fire up a large skillet over high heat with vegetable oil. Quickly sear marinated beef slices for 1-2 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust forms. Transfer seared meat to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, introduce remaining oil and rapidly sauté bell peppers and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, maintaining a crisp texture and vibrant color.
  4. Introduce minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for 60 seconds to release their aromatic essence.
  5. Reunite seared beef with vegetable mixture in the skillet. Pour beef broth over the ingredients and gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
  6. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Plate immediately alongside steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Tenderize beef by slicing against the grain to ensure maximum softness and easier chewing.
  • Choose fatty cuts like flank or sirloin for better flavor and juiciness during quick high-heat cooking.
  • Marinate beef for maximum 15-20 minutes to prevent breaking down protein fibers and maintaining meat’s texture.
  • Keep vegetables crisp by cooking at high heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet to prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
  • Adjust spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha for those who enjoy extra heat in the dish.
  • Create gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring oyster sauce is gluten-free.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for increased fiber and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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