There is something truly comforting and vibrant about the Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe that makes it a beloved classic in many kitchens. This dish beautifully balances tender beef, crisp colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions, all brought together by a savory, slightly sweet sauce. The simple combination of fresh ingredients and quick stir-frying creates a plate full of flavor and texture that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or an impressive weekend dinner. Trust me, once you try this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite you love sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender beef for richness or the vibrant bell peppers adding color and crunch. The sauces and aromatics tie everything together to make each bite burst with flavor.
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank): Choose a tender cut and slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds the salty, umami depth to the marinade and sauce.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet complexity that enhances the meat.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 red bell pepper: Gives a sweet, vivid crunch with a pop of red color.
- 1 green bell pepper: Provides a mild bitterness and green hue for balance.
- 1 large onion: Adds sweetness and texture as it softens in the stir-fry.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, giving the dish that irresistible aromatic kick.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger: Grated to introduce a bright, spicy warmth.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For stir-frying to achieve that perfect sear and caramelization.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Builds the sauce’s savory base and adds moisture.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the savory with a hint of sweetness in the sauce.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and peppery bite.
How to Make Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
First things first, marinate the beef to infuse it with flavor and ensure it stays tender during cooking. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl, then toss in your thinly sliced steak. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while the ingredients work their magic. This step is key to locking in that savory richness that makes every bite so satisfying.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While your beef marinates, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will become the luscious sauce coating the steak and veggies. Taking a moment to whisk it thoroughly ensures there are no lumps and that all the flavors blend perfectly.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still maintain their slight crispness. This quick stir-fry helps preserve their vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Then, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside – they’ll reunite with the beef soon!
Step 4: Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil and toss in the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are beautifully browned and the meat is cooked through. The high heat and quick cooking keep the beef juicy and tender without overcooking.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked vegetables to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir to coat the ingredients evenly, then let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is warmed through. This final step melds the vibrant veggies and savory beef together, creating a deliciously saucy dish.
Step 6: Serve Up
Serve your Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe piping hot, nestled over a bed of steamed white rice or your favorite noodles. The sauce’s richness soaks into the grains, making each forkful utterly satisfying. This dish is ready to enjoy right away, but it also makes fantastic leftovers.
How to Serve Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes transforms this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe from tasty to stunning. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Toasted sesame seeds also add a lovely nutty crunch that complements the bold sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried noodles or a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad to add some cool contrast to the warm, saucy steak and veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak wrapped in warm tortillas or lettuce cups for a handheld version. It also makes a fantastic filling for steamed bao buns or even topped on a bowl of warm quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier take. The possibilities are endless and just as delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it with the sauce to keep the beef juicy and the veggies flavorful. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep this meal longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating on the stovetop preserves texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak work best due to their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best results.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce on hand?
You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a touch of sugar for a similar sweet-savory flavor. It might alter the taste slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free options, making it easy to adapt this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn make great additions. Add harder veggies early in the stir-fry and softer ones later to keep the perfect texture balance.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Marinating with cornstarch and soy sauce helps keep the beef tender. Plus, cooking it quickly over high heat without overcrowding the pan ensures it stays juicy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is a heartfelt joy in preparing this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe that shines through in every bite. The marriage of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and that irresistible sauce is sure to brighten your dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s not only easy to make but incredibly satisfying. Soon enough, this recipe will be one you happily make again and again, sharing the delicious experience with everyone you love.
Print
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked with crisp red and green bell peppers, sweet onions, and a savory oyster-soy sauce. Perfectly marinated and tossed in a luscious sauce, this classic Asian-inspired meal is ready in just 30 minutes and serves four people.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Vegetables
- 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
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
Cooking Oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until the brown sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, and onion strips, stirring frequently for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables become tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef slices and stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the combined ingredients and stir well to mix. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the hot pepper steak immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper for desired spice level.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or peanut oil for stir-frying.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes.
