Introduction

Pepper steak is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender beef strips with vibrant bell peppers and onions. This easy recipe brings a classic takeout favorite to your home kitchen in just a few simple steps.

Ingredients

1 pound beef strips
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and cook the beef strips until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pan and pour in the soy sauce. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry, then add it to the pan. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve the pepper steak hot, ideally with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Try adding sliced mushrooms or snap peas for more vegetable variety.
Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but arrowroot or potato starch can work as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the beef tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak work best. Slice them thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Is this dish spicy?

This basic recipe is mild, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers if you prefer some heat.

Easy Pepper Steak Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

Easy Pepper Steak is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender beef strips cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-garlic sauce thickened with cornstarch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it delivers a satisfying mix of textures and rich tastes in under 30 minutes.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb beef strips (sirloin or flank steak)

Vegetables

1 large green bell pepper, sliced
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced

Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to form a smooth sauce.
Combine and Thicken: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over and stir well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve the pepper steak hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
Adjust the amount of garlic and soy sauce to suit taste preferences.
You can substitute beef with chicken or tofu for variation.
Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers may soften the vegetables.

Keywords: pepper steak, beef stir-fry, easy dinner, bell pepper recipe, quick beef recipe