What is comfort food? What are some of the best steaks to serve over a bed of green beans? That, my friends, is my family’s beloved.What is a good pepper steak recipeIs it easier than lasagna? Is it amazing? I always compare it to a stir-fry, but with deeper, richer soul. Is it one of those dishes that makes everyone happy?
What is a pepper steak?
So, what exactly *is* Pepper Steak? Think of it as a delicious Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring tender strips of steak cooked with colorful bell peppers in a flavorful sauce. It’s essentially a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The name comes from the fact that the peppers and steak are the star of the show, cooked in a yummy blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices. It’s super adaptable, so you can easily customize it to your liking with different veggies or levels of spiciness. I think of it as comfort food with a little bit of pizzazz!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? What I love most about this Pepper Steak Recipe is how it ticks all the boxes.
• **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of savory steak, sweet bell peppers, and that amazing umami-rich sauce is just incredible. It’s a flavor profile that everyone in my family loves.
• **Ridiculously Easy:** Seriously, this is a weeknight lifesaver. It comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a total win in my book.
• **Budget-Friendly:** Steak can sometimes be pricey, but this recipe uses a cut that’s both delicious and affordable – more on that later! Plus, bell peppers are usually pretty reasonable.
• **So Versatile:** You can serve this Pepper Steak over rice, noodles, quinoa – you name it! You can also add different vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or even broccoli.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner that everyone will enjoy, trust me, this Pepper Steak Recipe is it. It’s up there with my other easy go-to’s like chicken pot pie, but even faster. Plus, clean up is a breeze!
How do I make pepper steak?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make a pepper steak? How do you marinate steak, chop veggies, stir fry everything together in a delicious sauce? How do I get everything ready for cooking? The cooking process is pretty quick. What is the hardest part of marinating?
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade:
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain (skirt steak works too!). I always get mine from my local butcher. The quality makes a difference. • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium). • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps tenderize the steak). • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil). • 2 teaspoons sugar (just a pinch!). • 12 teaspoon ground ginger (freshly grated is even better!).
For the Pepper Steak: What is the best way
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. • One onion, sliced. I love using a mix of red and green for visual appeal. • 2 cloves garlic, minced. • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced. • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium is best). • 3 tablespoons soy sauce. • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (this adds amazing depth of flavor, but you can omit it if you don’t have it). • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (this is your slurry to thicken the flavor). • 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish.
What are the steps in
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. I like to let the flavors meld. I usually aim for at least an hour.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies
While the steak is marinating, slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic and ginger. How do I make cooking easier?
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated steak in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Stir-fry the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Add the onion and bell peppers to a skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender. Remove from the heat and set aside. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). How do I make the sauce in a skillet?
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to avoid any lumps!
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is heated through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is the beauty of Pepper Steak?What is a classic dinner?What’s the best way to soak up the sauce? Is brown rice healthier than quinoa?For a Noodle Night: Toss it with some stir-fried noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. I love using lo mein noodles or even spaghetti noodles in a pinch.
For a Veggie Boost:What are some good ways to add veggies to your plate? Steamed broccoli, green beans, or even a simple side salad are all great options.For a Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little extra heat.
My family loves having a side of egg rolls with this for a truly great meal. Honestly, you can’t go wrong! It’s all about what you’re craving that day.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pepper Steak
I’ve made this Pepper Steak Recipe so many times, I have learned a few tricks along the way.What is the best steakFlank steak is my go-to because it’s relatively inexpensive and cooks quickly. What are some good recipes for skirt steak? Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.Marinating Magic: Don’t skip the marinade! It’s key to tenderizing the steak and infusing it with flavor. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference. But longer is always better!
High heat is the key to success.Make sure your skillet or wok is screaming hot before you add the steak. How do I make a nice crust?Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of sear.
Veggie Variety: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! Mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts – the possibilities are endless.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce before you add the steak and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce, sugar, or even a little bit of rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
Oyster Sauce Substitute: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or even a teaspoon of fish sauce. These will add a similar depth of flavor. If you don’t want to use any kind of fish sauce substitute the oyster sauce with a tablespoon of brown sugar. Trust me, it will be delish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Pepper Steak is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving cooked Pepper Steak at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can start to grow pretty quickly, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It will stay fresh and delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Pepper Steak. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it, but I prefer to reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help keep it moist. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Steak Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, makes you feel warm and cozy, and leaves you completely satisfied. The combination of tender steak, flavorful veggies, and that incredible sauce is simply irresistible. If you enjoyed this, you absolutely have to try my Orange Chicken recipe next! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you tried it or have any fun variations of your own. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it!
Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak Cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup Bell pepper Sliced
- 1 cup Onion Sliced
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce and cornstarch. Add steak and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add steak and stir-fry until browned.
- Add bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Serve hot over rice.
