Pepper Steak Recipe
Let’s talk comfort food, but with a little kick! What is a Pepper Steak recipe? What’s the difference between a classic beef stir-fry and something you’d get at your favorite restaurant? What are the best Chinese restaurants? Is this recipe for takeout easy to make? Is it similar to a good pot roast? Is the flavor explosion worth it? I always get requests for this, especially when the weather starts to cool down. What’s that tender steak taste like? What are some of the best ways to enjoy spicy sauce?

What is a pepper steak?
Think of pepper steak as a savory symphony in the skillet. What is essentially thinly sliced steak – usually flank or sirloin – stir-fried with colorful bell peppers? What are some of the best peppers and onions in a umami-packed sauce? The name comes, quite simply, from the generous amount of Black Pepper that season the dish, giving it a unique flavor. It that signature warmth and subtle heat. It’s a dish that bridges cultures, taking inspiration from Chinese-American cuisine, but using the same ingredients. What are some familiar Western ingredients? How do you make a delicious meal in your own kitchen? Ingredients you can feel good about. What is a good pepper steak recipe?
Why do I love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! What I love most about this pepper steak recipe is how it manages to be both incredibly flavorful *and* surprisingly simple to make. We’re talking about a dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on those nights when you’re short on time but still craving something delicious. The flavor is out of this world – the tender steak, the sweet peppers and onions, and that slightly spicy, savory sauce – it’s a flavor combination that just works perfectly. It’s also a really budget-friendly meal; you don’t need expensive cuts of meat to make this dish shine. Plus, this is a very versatile dish. You can serve it over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or even stuff it into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. If you are a fan of a steak Stir Fry, you will love this recipe. Seriously, I’ve tried a lot of stir-fry recipes, and this pepper steak recipe is definitely one of my all-time favorites because it’s so easy to customize to your own taste preferences. Add some mushrooms, broccoli, or even a splash of soy sauce if you like. The possibilities are endless!
How do you make a pepper steak?
Quick Overview
How do you make a delicious pepper steak? How do you marinate a steak? If you’re a vegetarian, you can Stir Fry veggies until tender. Next, you’ll sear the steak until it’s perfectly browned. What’s the best way to make a delicious sauce? How do you not overcrowd a pan? Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade:
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain. I like to partially freeze the steak for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. This adds a nice tang.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This helps to tenderize the steak and thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Freshly grated ginger works too!
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. You can also use minced garlic.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. Freshly ground is best for flavor.
For the Pepper Steak:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. I prefer canola or peanut oil for stir-frying.
• 1 large onion, sliced.
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup beef broth. Low-sodium is best.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Again, low-sodium is recommended.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth of flavor). If you can’t find oyster sauce, use a bit of hoisin sauce.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar. This balances out the savory flavors.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch. For thickening.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Adds a nutty flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Don’t be shy!

What are the step by
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. I find that 20 minutes is usually perfect, but if you’re in a hurry, even 10 minutes will make you feel better. The longer the better, but don’t go longer than an hour or the meat can get mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the steak is marinating, slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic. How do you prepare a stir-fry?
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and salt. Serve immediately. What are the main ingredients in this recipe? Cornstarch, sesame oil Make sure all the cornstarch is dissolved to avoid any clumps.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
How do you heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat? Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Steak
Add the marinated steak to the skillet in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired desired thickness. I like mine medium-rare, but you can cook it longer if you prefer. Don’t overcook it, or it will be tough.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
What is the best way to serve steak and vegetables in a skillet? Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Serve
What is the best way to serve Pepper Steak hot over rice or noodles? Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. I love serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or some egg rolls for yum!
What should I serve it with?
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a good pepper steak recipe? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: Grilled Cheese, ham, and potato chips.
Over Rice:What is the best way to enjoy pepper steak? I usually make white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa would work well too.
With Noodles:Serve over your favorite noodles, such as ramen noodles or even spaghetti. What’s the best way to serve noodles with soy sauce?
In Lettuce Wraps:If you’re serving pepper steak in lettuce wraps, try serving it in a salad. What are some healthy ways to enjoy this dish?
What is the best way to eat Yes, you read that right! Pepper steak is surprisingly delicious served over mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes complement the savory steak perfectly.
In my family, we love to serve this pepper steak recipe with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. My grandma always made it with egg noodles, which is how I grew up eating it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pepper Steak
Okay, here are some of my top tips for making the best pepper steak recipe you’ve ever had:
Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Flank steak and sirloin are both great choices for pepper steak because they are relatively lean and flavorful. However, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as skirt steak or even ribeye. Just be sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure that it is tender.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is one of the most important tips for stir-frying. If you overcrowd the pan, the steak will steam instead of sear, which will result in a less flavorful dish. Cook the steak in batches if necessary.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying is a high-heat cooking method, so make sure your skillet or wok is nice and hot before you add the steak and vegetables. This will help to create a nice sear and prevent the food from sticking to the pan.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your own taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you want it more savory, add more soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Add Some Extra Vegetables: Don’t be afraid to add some extra vegetables to your pepper steak. Mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas are all great additions.
I also found that letting the sauce simmer an extra minute at the end can really deepen the flavor. Be careful not to burn it, though! And sometimes I’ll add a splash of dry sherry to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor that is so delicious!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover pepper steak:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down completely before storing.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze pepper steak. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat pepper steak, you can use the microwave, skillet, or oven. For the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the skillet, add a little bit of oil and stir-fry until heated through. For the oven, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

This pepper steak recipe is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone happy, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other stir-fry recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. I hope you love this pepper steak recipe as much as my family does! I would be ecstatic to hear how it turns out for you and if you added your personal touch to this delicious dish!
