If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this pepper steak recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory, umami-rich sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Pepper steak is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry that has gained popularity worldwide for its bold flavors and simplicity. The combination of juicy beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, garlicky soy-based sauce makes it a go-to meal for those who love Asian-inspired cuisine. Plus, this recipe is highly versatile—you can adjust the spice level, switch up the vegetables, or serve it over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap for a modern twist.
With this recipe, you’ll achieve that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, along with a melt-in-your-mouth texture for the beef. If you’ve ever struggled with making tender stir-fried beef, I’ll show you a simple technique to ensure your meat stays juicy and soft.
Get ready to make the best pepper steak you’ve ever had—better than takeout and healthier, too!
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Pepper Steak
Cuisine: USA, ChineseDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes322
kcalA quick and easy pepper steak recipe with tender beef and vibrant bell peppers, perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in just 45 minutes!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided use)
1 red bell pepper (cored, seeded, and cut into strips)
1 green bell pepper (cored, seeded, and cut into strips)
1 ¼ pounds flank steak (thinly sliced)
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoons sugar
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup beef broth
Directions
- Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the red and green bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the flank steak and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth. Pour the mixture into the skillet.
- Return the bell peppers to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot (you can serve over rice or noodles).
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
Why This Recipe Works
There are plenty of pepper steak recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons. Here’s why you’ll love it:
1. Perfectly Tender Beef Every Time
One of the biggest challenges in making stir-fried beef dishes is tough, chewy meat. In this recipe, I use a simple velveting technique—a traditional Chinese cooking method that involves marinating the beef with a combination of cornstarch, baking soda, soy sauce, and a touch of oil. This step ensures that the beef stays incredibly tender and flavorful while stir-frying.
2. Bold, Well-Balanced Sauce
The sauce in this recipe is a delicious mix of umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic garlic, spicy ginger, a touch of honey, and a hint of sesame oil. It creates the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors, coating each piece of beef and bell pepper for an irresistible bite.
3. Quick and Easy—Ready in 30 Minutes
Who doesn’t love a fast and fuss-free meal? This pepper steak recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a one-pan cooking process, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
4. Versatile and Customizable
This dish can be easily adapted based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Here are some customization ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Extra Protein: Mix in shrimp or chicken for a surf-and-turf twist.
5. Healthier than Takeout
Making your own pepper steak at home means you control the ingredients—less oil, lower sodium, and no MSG. You get all the flavor without the guilt!
Additional Tips for the best Pepper Steak Recipe
- Slice the beef thinly: For the best texture, slice the beef against the grain as thinly as possible. This ensures tender bites in your steak.
- Prep ingredients beforehand: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother and quicker.
- Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch. For a thinner sauce, add more beef broth.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh bell peppers and garlic will enhance the flavor of your beef pepper steak recipe.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove to maintain the crispness of the peppers and the tenderness of the beef.
- Marinate the Beef: For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste and tenderness of your beef steak.
- Use High Heat: Cooking the beef on high heat ensures a nice sear, which locks in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor to your pepper steak.
- Add Onions: Sauté some sliced onions along with the bell peppers for an added layer of flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Peppers: Try using different types of peppers. Such as yellow or orange bell peppers, for a colorful and flavorful twist on the traditional pepper steak.
- Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of the finished dish for a fresh and vibrant garnish.
Variants of the Pepper Steak Recipe
This classic recipe can be modified in several ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations:
1. Spicy Sichuan Pepper Steak
If you love bold, spicy flavors, try this Sichuan-inspired twist.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling, numbing spice.
- Toss in red chili flakes or sliced Thai chilies for extra heat.
- Swap regular soy sauce for dark soy sauce to create a richer, deeper color and flavor.
2. Garlic Butter Pepper Steak
For a fusion twist, try this garlic butter version:
- Use butter instead of oil for a rich, silky sauce.
- Add extra garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a zesty, bold taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes instead of rice for a unique combination.
3. Keto-Friendly Pepper Steak
To make this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly:
- Skip the cornstarch and use xanthan gum as a thickener.
- Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-carb alternative.
4. Mushroom Pepper Steak
For a vegetarian or vegan alternative:
- Replace beef with portobello mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the sauce.
- Add tofu or seitan for extra protein.
5. Teriyaki Pepper Steak
For a sweeter, Japanese-style flavor:
- Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
FAQ About Pepper Steak Recipe
Yes, while flank steak or sirloin is often used, you can substitute with other tender cuts of beef like ribeye or tenderloin. Just ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Absolutely! You can add more heat by increasing the amount of black pepper, or incorporating chili flakes. Also you can add hot sauce, or even sliced jalapeños into the recipe to give it a spicier kick. Adjust the heat level to your taste.
Yes! You can easily swap chicken breast or thighs for beef. The cooking process is the same, but chicken may take 1-2 minutes longer to cook through.
Yes! While pepper steak is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance:
– Slice the beef and marinate it up to 24 hours ahead.
– Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge.
– Prepare the sauce separately and mix it in when reheating.
If you’re out of soy sauce or need a substitute, try:
– Tamari (gluten-free alternative)
– Coconut aminos (lower sodium, soy-free)
– Worcestershire sauce (a bit tangier but works in a pinch)
If the sauce is too thin:
– Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
– Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
Final Thoughts
This pepper steak recipe is the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and deeply umami flavors, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or a special dinner. The tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and rich sauce come together in a dish that’s both quick and satisfying. Plus, with so many customization options, you can make this meal your own—whether you prefer it spicy, keto-friendly, or with a unique twist like teriyaki or garlic butter.
If you love Asian-inspired beef dishes, you might also enjoy trying this Blackstone Hibachi Recipe, which captures the classic hibachi grill experience at home. For those who love bold and spicy flavors, the Chipotle Steak Recipe is another excellent choice, featuring a smoky, spicy marinade that pairs perfectly with grilled meat.
Looking for a different cut of beef to try? You might find the Tri-Tip Steak Recipe useful, offering a juicy and flavorful alternative to flank steak. And if you’re in the mood for more steak-based dishes, don’t miss the Steak Burrito Recipe, which is packed with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and toppings for a hearty meal.
Cooking at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals while controlling the ingredients for a healthier, fresher, and more satisfying experience. Give this pepper steak recipe a try today—you won’t be disappointed!
Leave a Reply