Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Pepper Steak recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The dish features tender strips of flank steak quickly stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, all brought together by a savory-sweet sauce with notes of ginger, garlic, and sesame. What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors - the beef remains tender, the vegetables maintain a pleasing crispness, and the sauce provides just the right amount of seasoning without overwhelming the natural flavors of the ingredients. This versatile dish works beautifully over rice or noodles and can be easily customized with your preferred level of spice, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:22:00 GMT
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Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that brings the best of Asian-inspired flavors to your home kitchen. This colorful stir-fry features tender strips of beef and crisp-tender vegetables bathed in a rich, savory sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal solution for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

The first time I made this for my family, my teenage son, who typically avoids vegetables, helped himself to seconds of the colorful peppers, saying they "actually taste good this way."

Essential Elements

  • Quality beef: Choose flank or sirloin for best texture
  • Fresh bell peppers: Multi-colored varieties add visual appeal
  • Sweet onion: Provides foundational flavor
  • Soy sauce: Creates umami-rich base
  • Oyster sauce: Adds distinctive depth
  • Fresh ginger: Brings aromatic warmth
  • Cornstarch: Creates perfect sauce consistency
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Creating Perfect Stir-Fry

Meat Preparation:
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Pat dry before cooking to ensure proper browning.
Vegetable Technique:
Cut peppers and onions into uniform sizes for even cooking. Maintain crisp-tender texture by not overcooking.
Sauce Building:
Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to pan. Allow proper thickening time for glossy finish.
Final Integration:
Combine components with perfect timing to maintain textural contrast.

My grandmother always said the secret to great stir-fry was "hot wok, cold oil," and this recipe proves her wisdom with its perfect balance of caramelization and tenderness.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this colorful dish over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. Fortune cookies make a fun finishing touch.

Creative Variations

Experiment with adding mushrooms for earthiness or snow peas for extra crunch. Try chicken or shrimp for different protein options, or use tofu for a vegetarian version.

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Storage Success

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet for best results, adding a splash of water if needed to rejuvenate the sauce.

After perfecting this recipe through countless weeknight dinners, I've found that success lies in the details - the proper slicing of the beef, the careful cooking of the vegetables, and the perfect timing of combining all elements. Whether you're looking for a quick family dinner or trying to satisfy a craving for takeout, this Pepper Steak delivers restaurant-quality results with homemade freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of beef works best for pepper steak?
Flank steak is ideal, but you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak. The key is to slice the meat thinly against the grain for tenderness.
→ How can I make sure my beef stays tender?
Always slice the beef against the grain, cook it quickly over high heat, and don't overcrowd the pan. You can also marinate it in a tablespoon of soy sauce and baking soda for 15 minutes before cooking.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all components separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat everything together in a hot skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the sauce.
→ What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce is the best substitute, though it's sweeter. You can also use additional soy sauce with a pinch of sugar, or fish sauce mixed with a bit of brown sugar.
→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, snow peas, broccoli, or baby corn all work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some vegetables need more or less time than bell peppers.

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers

A quick and colorful stir-fry featuring tender beef strips, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions in a rich savory sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Stir-Fry

01 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
02 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
06 2 tbsp vegetable oil

→ For the Sauce

07 1/4 cup soy sauce
08 2 tbsp oyster sauce
09 1 tbsp cornstarch
10 2 tbsp water
11 1 tbsp rice vinegar
12 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
13 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
15 1 tsp sesame oil
16 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Step 02

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Stir-fry the bell peppers and onion for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 04

Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 05

Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

  1. Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for a visually appealing dish
  2. If you don't have oyster sauce, substitute with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce
  3. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small bowl for sauce
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy
  • Shellfish (in oyster sauce)
  • Wheat (in soy sauce)
  • Sesame

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 24 g