Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a classic stir-fry dish that showcases tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory sauce. This recipe is a fan favorite, combining the rich umami of soy sauce with the subtle sweetness of caramelized vegetables. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.

Whether you serve it over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is, Pepper Steak is versatile, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make this dish a success—from choosing the right cut of beef to mastering stir-fry techniques, along with variations, storage tips, and serving suggestions to suit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious: Loaded with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
• Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or make it gluten-free with simple swaps.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: Save money and enjoy a fresh, homemade version of your takeout favorite.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 310
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Optional Accompaniments:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Stir-fried noodles
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
• Transfer half of the marinade to a separate bowl for use as the stir-fry sauce.
• Add the sliced steak to the remaining marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Slice and Prep Vegetables

• Wash and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Peel and slice the onion into wedges. Set aside.
• Chop green onions and set them aside for garnish.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
• Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through.
• Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
• Toss in the bell peppers and onions, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

• Return the beef to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate.
• Pour the reserved sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Ingredient Background

Beef:
The key to tender pepper steak is choosing the right cut of beef and slicing it properly. Flank steak and sirloin are excellent choices for this recipe due to their tenderness and rich flavor. Always slice the meat against the grain to ensure each bite is soft and easy to chew.

Bell Peppers:
Bell peppers add vibrant color and a natural sweetness to the dish. Using a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a range of flavors.

Soy Sauce:
Soy sauce is the base of the marinade, contributing a salty, umami richness that ties the dish together. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.

Oyster Sauce:
This thick, savory sauce adds depth to the stir-fry. It’s commonly used in Chinese cooking and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Cornstarch:
Cornstarch serves a dual purpose: it helps tenderize the beef during marination and thickens the sauce during cooking.

Vegetable Oil:
High-smoke-point oils like vegetable or canola oil are ideal for stir-frying at high heat.

Technique Tips

1. High Heat is Key: Use high heat to sear the beef and stir-fry the vegetables. This ensures a quick cook time and helps retain the crispness of the vegetables.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to prevent steaming. A crowded pan can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Prep Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast process, so have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
4. Adjust Cooking Times: If you prefer softer vegetables, stir-fry them for an additional minute or two.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Serve as Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into large lettuce leaves for a fresh and low-carb option.
2. Pair with Fried Rice: Turn it into a complete Asian-inspired meal by serving it alongside homemade fried rice.
3. Top with a Fried Egg: For a hearty twist, serve Pepper Steak with a sunny-side-up egg on top.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Make Ahead: Marinate the beef and slice the vegetables the night before for an even quicker cooking process.
2. Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to retain the stir-fry texture.
3. Control the Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit them entirely for a milder dish.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Pepper Stir-Fry: Substitute chicken breast or thighs for the beef.
2. Spicy Pepper Steak: Add sliced jalapeños or Szechuan peppercorns for an extra kick.
3. Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or mushrooms in place of the beef and swap oyster sauce for vegetarian hoisin sauce.
4. Garlic Pepper Steak: Add more minced garlic for a stronger garlicky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Allow the cooked dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Low-Sodium Sauces: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt.
2. Lean Protein: Opt for lean cuts of beef or substitute with chicken breast.
3. More Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini to increase the vegetable content.
4. Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Family Dinner: Pair Pepper Steak with steamed rice and a light cucumber salad.
2. Party Appetizer: Serve as mini skewers by threading beef and peppers onto toothpicks.
3. Meal Prep: Divide into containers with rice or noodles for quick, balanced lunches.

Special Equipment

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat cooking and even distribution of heat.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing the beef thinly and evenly.
• Tongs or Spatula: Use to stir-fry without damaging the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or even skirt steak work well. Just ensure it’s sliced thinly against the grain.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.

3. What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions or substitutes for the bell peppers.

4. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes and avoid overcooking it. Searing on high heat helps lock in moisture.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to prevent excess water in the stir-fry.

6. What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a dash of fish sauce can be used.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Cook the beef and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

8. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a timeless dish that brings vibrant flavors and textures to the table. From its tender beef to its colorful, crisp vegetables, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this stir-fry delivers restaurant-quality results every time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy the unbeatable combination of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors in every bite!

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