Introduction

Pepper steak is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef strips with colorful bell peppers and savory soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this easy recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 lb beef strips
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water (for cornstarch mixture)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef strips until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve the pepper steak hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Try adding mushrooms or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
Use cornstarch slurry gradually to control the thickness of the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or any tender cut sliced thinly to ensure quick cooking and tenderness.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Easy Pepper Steak Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

This Easy Pepper Steak recipe features tender beef strips sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory soy garlic sauce, thickened with cornstarch for a perfect glossy finish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying stir-fry that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Chinese

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

1 lb beef strips (sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced)

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced

Sauce and Thickener

3 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Instructions

Prepare the beef: Pat beef strips dry and set aside to ensure even browning during cooking.
Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water) until smooth.
Return beef and add sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables.
Thicken the sauce: Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve the pepper steak immediately, ideally over steamed rice or noodles.