Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry dish that brings together tender beef slices, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions, all coated in a savory sauce. This dish, influenced by various culinary traditions, is a beloved classic in many homes, offering the perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and aromatic spices for a well-rounded meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that is bursting with flavor. The savory sauce complements the tender beef and crisp vegetables perfectly, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. The marinade infuses the beef with flavor, while the stir-fried peppers and onions add a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. It’s a great choice for a busy weeknight meal or whenever you’re craving a tasty, hearty stir-fry.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade:

• 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin or flank), thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Beef:

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly.
3. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve. Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
3. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Cook the Beef:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add the marinated beef slices and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Combine and Simmer:

1. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
3. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

Serve:

1. Serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to your pepper steak.
• Different Vegetables: Swap the bell peppers and onions for other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cuts like ribeye or flank steak, but make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tender results.

How can I make the beef more tender?

Slicing the beef thinly and marinating it for at least 15 minutes helps break down the fibers and tenderize the meat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before using it in the stir-fry.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

While fresh vegetables are preferred for this dish, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions if necessary. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before stir-frying.

Can I add other seasonings to the marinade?

Yes, you can experiment with adding a dash of sesame oil, garlic powder, or even chili paste for additional flavor.

Is the sauce too sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the brown sugar or replace it with a sugar substitute.

Can I serve this with noodles instead of rice?

Yes, you can serve the pepper steak with cooked noodles, such as chow mein or lo mein, for a different twist.

Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a larger skillet or wok.

Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the beef and vegetables separately from the rice for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it offers a balanced meal that will surely become a family favorite. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, it’s a delicious option that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

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This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish that combines tender beef slices, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions, all coated in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this hearty dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal!

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade:

• 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.
2. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat.
3. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
2. Add the marinated beef slices and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through.

5. Combine and Simmer

1. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine.
3. Let simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

6. Serve

1. Serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Different Vegetables: Swap bell peppers and onions for vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired