Delicious Pepper Steak Stir-Fry
Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dinner featuring tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions tossed in a rich, savory sauce. The beef is seared until beautifully browned, then coated in a glossy sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Served over steamed rice, this homemade stir-fry makes an easy and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1½ lbs (680 g) beef sirloin or flank steak
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving
- Cooked white or jasmine rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds, optional
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Directions
1. Slice the Beef
Place the steak on a cutting board and slice it thinly against the grain.
Thin slices cook quickly and remain tender.
If the steak is difficult to slice, place it in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes first. This firms it up and makes thin slicing easier.
2. Marinate the Beef
Place the sliced beef in a bowl.
Add the soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and black pepper.
Toss thoroughly until all the beef is coated.
Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch with cold water.
Set both mixtures aside.
4. Sear the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
Once the pan is very hot, add the beef in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until the beef is browned on the outside.
Transfer the beef to a plate.
Don’t worry if the beef isn’t completely cooked yet—it will finish cooking later.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet if needed.
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers.
Stir-fry for approximately 3–5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Don’t overcook them; they should retain some crunch.
6. Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger.
Stir-fry for approximately 30–45 seconds, until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7. Return the Beef
Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
Toss everything together.
8. Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
9. Thicken the Sauce
Give the cornstarch slurry another quick stir, then slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring.
Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat the beef and vegetables.
10. Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately over hot steamed rice.
Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
Tips for Tender Pepper Steak
Slice against the grain: This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the beef easier to chew.
Use a very hot pan: High heat creates a flavorful sear while keeping the cooking time short.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Too much beef at once causes it to steam instead of brown.
Cook vegetables until crisp-tender: They should still have some texture when finished.
Don’t overcook the beef: Thin steak cooks very quickly.
Prepare everything beforehand: Stir-frying moves quickly, so have your vegetables and sauce ready before turning on the heat.
Best Cuts of Beef
Several cuts work well for pepper steak:
- Sirloin
- Flank steak
- Top round
- Skirt steak
- Ribeye
Sirloin is a particularly convenient option because it’s tender and easy to slice.
Variations
Spicy Pepper Steak
Add ½–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce to the sauce.
Mushroom Pepper Steak
Add 1–2 cups sliced mushrooms along with the bell peppers.
Honey Garlic Pepper Steak
Replace the brown sugar with 1½ tablespoons honey and add another clove of minced garlic.
Extra Vegetable Stir-Fry
Add broccoli, snow peas, carrots, baby corn, or zucchini.
Low-Carb Version
Serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables instead of regular rice.
What to Serve With Pepper Steak
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with:
- Jasmine rice
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Chow mein noodles
- Egg noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Spring rolls
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Add a small splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has become too thick.
Freezing Instructions
Allow the cooked pepper steak to cool completely.
Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The bell peppers may become slightly softer after freezing, but the dish will still be flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my steak tough?
The most common causes are using a tough cut, slicing with the grain, or overcooking the beef. Slice thinly against the grain and cook quickly over high heat.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Thinly sliced chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs work well. Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Yes. Simply replace it with additional soy sauce, or use hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Fresh peppers provide the best texture, but frozen peppers can be used. Add them directly to the hot skillet and cook until heated through.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Method: Stir-Fry
This Delicious Pepper Steak Stir-Fry delivers tender beef, crisp colorful peppers, sweet onions, and a rich glossy sauce in every bite. Serve it over fluffy rice for a quick homemade dinner that’s packed with savory flavor.