If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and full-bodied flavors, this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is just what you need. Tender strips of marinated beef sizzle alongside crisp, sweet bell peppers and sharp onions, all coated in a savory sauce that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and a hint of spice. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that brightens up any weeknight dinner, packing in nutrition and taste with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is the first step to crafting this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so memorable.
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank): Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a rich umami foundation to the marinade and sauce.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Boosts savory depth with a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and tenderize the beef.
- 1 red bell pepper: Brings bright color and a natural sweetness when stir-fried.
- 1 green bell pepper: Provides a slightly earthier flavor and crunchy texture.
- 1 large onion: Offers sharpness and softens to a sweet finish as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger: Grated to add a fresh, zesty zing.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying and achieving that perfect sear on beef and veggies.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and signature peppery notes.
How to Make Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Toss the thinly sliced beef in this mixture and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with savory richness, setting the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper in a separate bowl. You want to dissolve the sugar and cornstarch fully so your sauce thickens evenly later on. Setting this aside while you cook will make the final combination seamless and flavorful.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onions. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp — still vibrant and offering a slight crunch. Remove the vegetables from the pan to keep their texture perfect.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil, then toss in the marinated beef slices. Cook the beef quickly over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked through, taking care not to overcook so it stays juicy and tender.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour your prepared sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully and all the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve
Your Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot over steamed rice or alongside noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. This comforting meal brings together the perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite.
How to Serve Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top to add a fresh and nutty crunch. A few thin slices of red chili or a drizzle of chili oil can bring extra heat if you like your dishes with a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak shines when paired with fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice for a healthier option, or even buttery egg noodles. For more veggies, steamed broccoli or snap peas make wonderful companions, adding more vibrant greens and crunch to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pepper steak in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet for a dramatic effect that keeps the dish warm longer. You could also stuff the stir-fry into warm pita pockets or tortillas for a fun and unexpected twist that’s perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate from rice or noodles helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save it for later. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy a homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the pepper steak gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then reheat as directed.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak are recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can experiment with other cuts like ribeye or skirt steak, just be mindful to slice thinly against the grain to avoid toughness.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe is mild by default, focusing on the natural pepper flavor and sweetness of the vegetables. You can easily add heat by including chili flakes, fresh chilies, or spicy condiments if you love some spice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To go plant-based, swap the beef for firm tofu or sliced mushrooms, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce-only alternatives to keep rich umami flavors.
How long does marinating the beef improve the dish?
Marinating for at least 15 minutes lets the flavors penetrate and tenderizes the beef. If you have more time, up to 1 hour is even better, but avoid marinating too long as the cornstarch might change the texture.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch work well as thickening agents. You can also try all-purpose flour, but it may slightly alter the clarity and texture of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about cooking and sharing this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe. It brings warmth, bold flavors, and comforting textures to the table all within about half an hour. I encourage you to try it soon, whether for a cozy family dinner or whenever you want to whip up a dish that feels like a restaurant classic right at home.
Print
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Pepper Steak recipe featuring tender slices of beef sirloin or flank steak stir-fried with vibrant red and green bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory oyster-soy sauce blend. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner served hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss well to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors deeply.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until the sugar and cornstarch fully dissolve. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion strips, along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef slices and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through but still tender.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients. Let it simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together completely.
- Serve: Serve the hot pepper steak immediately over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or water in a pinch, though beef broth adds richer flavor.
- Slicing vegetables uniformly ensures even cooking and better presentation.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free.
