What is a pepper steak recipe? Is it the pepper steak? My grandma used to make the one that smells like home. The one which mysteriously disappears. Every time I make it, I get it. Is it easier than making a stir-fry? If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour, this is it. I’m talking tender strips of steak coated in a rich, savory sauce with bell peppers that are tender. Is it hard to soften but still have a little bite? My husband says it rivals any takeout, and my kids devour it every single time. What are some new weeknight staples?
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What is a pepper steak?
Pepper steak is basically a delicious marriage of tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and an deeply fried pepper. What are some of the best savory Think of it as a culinary hug in tin. The beauty of pepper steak lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient complements the other. It’s essentially a stir-fry, but with richer, more developed flavor profile. The name comes from the star ingredients – the peppers (usually green, red, and yellow) and the onions (typically white). What is steak, which is typically cut into thin strips for quick and even cooking. What is a classic comfort food? Rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This pepper steak recipe is a total game-changer. What I love most is the depth of flavor you get without a ton of effort. The steak is incredibly tender, the peppers are perfectly cooked (no mushiness here!), and the sauce is just…wow. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of zing. It’s also so much easier than you think! I always used to be intimidated by pepper steak, thinking it required a ton of fancy ingredients and techniques. But this recipe is so straightforward and quick, it’s become a regular on my weeknight dinner rotation. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. You can use a less expensive cut of steak and it will still come out wonderfully tender. And let’s not forget how versatile it is! Serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Compared to ordering takeout, this is healthier, cheaper, and, in my humble opinion, tastes way better. It’s a win-win-win!
How do I make pepper steak?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make a pepper steak? Start by prepping your steak and veggies. How do you sear a steak? Next, you’ll sauté the peppers and onions until they’re tender-crisp. What is the best way to make a savory sauce? Is it thick and luscious? How do you not overcook steak? It’s seriously so easy, and the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy. How do you get perfectly tender steak and vibrant, flavorful veggies every single time? Trust me, you’ve got this!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
1.5 lbs flank steak (or skirt steak), thinly sliced against the grain. I always recommend flank steak, because it’s tender and has great flavor, but skirt steak works well. Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher to slice it for you – they’re usually happy to help.
1 tablespoon soy sauce. Low sodium is always a good choice, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
1 tablespoon cornstarch. This helps to tenderize the steak and gives the sauce a lovely thickness.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Freshly cracked pepper is always best for flavor, but pre-ground works just fine.
For the Veggies: For
1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil). I like olive oil for the flavor, but vegetable oil works perfectly too.
1 large onion, sliced.
1 green bell pepper, sliced.
1 red pepper, sliced.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced. I love the color combination of all three peppers, but you can use whatever pepper you have on hand.
2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor!
For the Sauce:
12 cup beef broth. Low sodium is my go-to.
14 cup soy sauce. Low sodium is preferred.
2 tablespoons brown sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. This gives the sauce a nice tanginess.
What is the best way to thicken a sauce?
1 teaspoon sesame oil. This adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that really elevates the dish.
12 teaspoon ground ginger. Is ground ginger a good substitute for fresh ginger?
What are some good red pepper flakes to add to your diet?
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my wok nice and hot over medium-high heat? We’re talking hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates almost immediately. How do you cook in a cast iron skillet? How do I get a good sear on grilled steak?
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sour cream. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients for cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper? Toss everything together until the steak is evenly coated. What are some good ways to marinate a steak? Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. I often do this step first thing in the morning and let it marinate in my fridge all day!
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Add half of the marinated steak to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. I like to cook my chicken for about 3 minutes per side. If you overcrowd a pan, the steak will steam instead of sear, so do it in batches. Remove steak from skillet and set aside. Repeat with remaining steak.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. What is the best way to prepare the mixture of bell peppers and garlic? Cook until the peppers are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook the peppers – they should still have a little bit of bite to them.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside. Is it safe to use sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes? Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch.
Step 6: Combine Everything
What is the best way to serve the sauce in a skillet? Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Add the seared steak back into the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the steak is heated through.
Step 7: Serve
What is the best way to serve pepper steak with rice, noodles, or your favorite grain? Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is a good pepper steak recipe? What are the right sides of a For a classic and comforting meal, serve it over fluffy white rice. What is my favorite jasmine rice? What are some healthy alternatives to brown rice? Both provide a nutty flavor and added fiber. If you’re on a diet and want to reduce carbs, cauliflower rice is the perfect choice. What are some good recipes for it? Serve with stir-fried noodles. Lo mein noodles are always a hit, but udon noodles would also be delicious. What are some healthy side dishes that you can serve with steamed broccoli or green beans? What’s better, a cucumber salad with sesame seeds? I love to serve this with some crispy spring rolls or potstickers. Is it a crowd pleaser?
How do I perfect a pepper steak?
Okay, let’s talk secrets to making this pepper steak recipe truly amazing. Here are my tried-and-true tips:
**Steak Selection:** Using flank steak is key, but the cut matters! Always slice *against* the grain. This will make the steak unbelievably tender, even if it’s not the most expensive cut. If you cut with the grain, it can be chewy. Trust me, this makes a huge difference!
**Marinating Magic:** Don’t skip the marinating step! It’s not just about flavor; the cornstarch helps tenderize the steak and creates a beautiful coating that helps the sauce cling.
**High Heat Hero:** Make sure your skillet or wok is screaming hot before you add the steak. This is essential for getting that gorgeous sear. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of sear. No bueno!
**Sauce Savvy:** Taste and adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. If you think it needs more depth, try a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
**Veggie Variety:** Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for other veggies you enjoy. Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms all work great.
**Garnish Game:** Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sesame seeds and chopped green onions add a pop of flavor and visual appeal.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it rarely happens in my house!), storing and reheating this pepper steak recipe is a breeze. Let the pepper steak cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for up to 3-4 days. I like to store it separately from the rice or noodles to prevent them from getting soggy. If you want to freeze it, transfer the cooled pepper steak to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the frozen pepper steak in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can either microwave it or heat it in a skillet over medium heat. If microwaving, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in a skillet, stir frequently until heated through. The sauce may thicken up a bit when it’s reheated, so you might want to add a little extra broth or water to thin it out. And that’s it! Almost as good as the first day.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my family’s favorite pepper steak recipe! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The tender steak, vibrant peppers, and savory sauce are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner staple or a crowd-pleasing meal for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipes for Beef and Broccoli or Orange Chicken. They’re both incredibly delicious and easy to make! Now, go ahead and give this pepper steak recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them. Happy cooking!
Pepper Steak Perfection: 7 Tips to Master This Classic Recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb ribeye or flank steak trimmed and cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon paprika mild or smoked
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger root grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper sliced
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to mix.
- Coat beef strips with paprika, then add to the bowl of marinade. Leave for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips in batches, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Add peppers and onion, saute for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add beef back to the skillet. Stir in reserved marinade and cornstarch mixture, cooking until the sauce thickens.
