Delicious Pepper Steak Recipe
Pepper steak is a classic stir fry dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender strips of beef are cooked to perfection and tossed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce that’s both slightly sweet and perfectly spiced. This recipe captures the essence of takeout style pepper steak but with the freshness and quality of a homemade meal.
What makes pepper steak so appealing is its versatility it’s equally perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests. With its vibrant colors, satisfying texture, and bold flavor, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, creating a balanced and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why You Need This Recipe
This delicious pepper steak recipe is a must have for anyone who loves bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, using simple ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of tender beef, crisp tender bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.
Beyond its speed and simplicity, this recipe is also highly adaptable. You can adjust the spice level, swap in your favorite vegetables, or use chicken or tofu for a lighter twist. It’s a healthier alternative to takeout, with all the satisfying flavors you crave plus, it’s budget friendly and perfect for feeding the whole family. Once you try it, pepper steak will quickly become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
Here’s a neatly organized table of ingredients with approximate calorie counts so you can prepare this flavorful dish confidently while keeping an eye on its nutritional value.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Beef sirloin (sliced thin) | 1 lb (450 g) | 910 |
| Red bell pepper (sliced) | 1 medium | 37 |
| Green bell pepper (sliced) | 1 medium | 24 |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 medium | 44 |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | 34 |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons | 18 |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | 60 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 | 13 |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon | 2 |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Black pepper (freshly ground) | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Water or beef broth | 1/2 cup | 5 |
Estimated Calories Per Serving: ~320–350 kcal (based on 4 servings)
How to Prepare
Begin by tossing the sliced beef sirloin in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or beef broth, and the rest of the cornstarch to create the stir fry sauce, then set it aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re crisp tender. Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips
For the most tender pepper steak, slice the beef thinly against the grain this shortens the muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender. If possible, chill the beef in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing to get cleaner, thinner cuts. Use a hot skillet or wok so the beef sears quickly, locking in its juices without overcooking.
To keep the vegetables crisp and colorful, avoid overcooking them; they should be slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. If you prefer a richer sauce, add an extra splash of oyster sauce or a small pat of butter at the end of cooking. And for a healthier twist, reduce the oil slightly and serve the pepper steak with brown rice or zucchini noodles instead of white rice. These little tweaks can make your dish taste fresher, look more vibrant, and feel restaurant worthy.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Pepper steak pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich, savory sauce, but it’s equally delicious over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice for extra flavor. For a lower-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or stir fried zucchini noodles. It also works wonderfully alongside vegetable spring rolls, dumplings, or a light Asian style cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
When it comes to toppings, sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished dish for a nutty crunch or garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of freshness. A drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant heat for spice lovers, while a wedge of lime squeezed over the top brings a subtle brightness that balances the richness. These thoughtful pairings and garnishes will make your pepper steak even more satisfying and visually appealing.
Conclusion
Delicious pepper steak is proof that you don’t need complicated steps or hours in the kitchen to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. With tender slices of beef, crisp tender vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish delivers on both taste and presentation. It’s a recipe that works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion, offering the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.
Whether served over steamed rice, noodles, or a lighter alternative, pepper steak is a versatile crowd pleaser that can be tailored to your taste. Once you experience how easily it comes together and how much everyone loves it it’s sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table. This is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into a restaurant worthy experience at home.
