There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about a sizzling plate of pepper steak. Picture this: tender strips of beef, sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a spicy, aromatic sauce that dances on your palate. Savory Italian Pot Roast The crunch of vibrant bell peppers adds a delightful texture, while the savory aroma fills your kitchen with an irresistible warmth. Sticky Beef Noodles Your taste buds are practically doing the cha-cha just thinking about it!
I still remember the first time I made pepper steak for my friends during a cozy dinner party. As soon as they walked in, the enticing smell wafted through the air, and their eyes lit up with anticipation. It was one of those magical evenings where laughter flowed freely, and every bite transported us back to our favorite takeout spots. Now, whenever we gather, pepper steak is a must-have on the menu.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pepper steak recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Each bite bursts with flavor from the tender beef and zesty peppers
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it brightens up any dinner table
- Serve it over rice or noodles for a versatile meal that’s sure to impress
I once whipped up this dish for my family reunion, and you should have seen their faces when they tasted it—total game changers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Beef Sirloin: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the best results. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe.
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Bell Peppers: Use assorted colors for a visual feast and varied flavors.
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Onion: Sweet onions balance the spiciness of the peppers beautifully.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth to the flavor profile.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing umami.
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Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper brings out that signature heat.
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Cornstarch: A little cornstarch thickens your sauce for that perfect glaze.
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Vegetable Oil: Use high smoke point oil for stir-frying without burning.
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Ginger (optional): Fresh ginger adds an extra zing if you’re feeling adventurous!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your beef into thin strips against the grain; this ensures tenderness when cooked. Chop your bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces, ready to shine in your dish.
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and cornstarch to create a flavorful marinade. Let your beef soak in this mixture for at least 15 minutes—trust me; it makes all the difference!
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add sliced onions and bell peppers; sauté until they’re tender-crisp and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Beef: Push veggies to one side of the skillet and add marinated beef to the other. Cook until browned on all sides—about 5-7 minutes—making sure everything gets mingled together nicely.
Add Flavor Boosters: If using ginger, now’s your moment! Toss it in along with any remaining marinade. Stir everything together until well-coated and heated through.
Serve It Up!: Plate your pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles for a delightful meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Once you master this pepper steak recipe, you’ll find yourself whipping it up more often than you’d think possible!
You Must Know
- The key to a stellar pepper steak lies in the marinade; it enhances flavor while tenderizing the meat
- Fresh ingredients elevate the dish, bringing a delightful aroma to your kitchen
- Keep everything prepped before starting to ensure smooth cooking and maximum enjoyment
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes. Sear it in a hot pan before adding vegetables for a perfect blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bell peppers for other favorites like mushrooms or zucchini, or try adding fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve texture and taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender beef, choose high-quality cuts like flank or sirloin
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that beautiful sear
- Let your steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy and flavorful
Cooking this pepper steak reminds me of family gatherings where every bite brought smiles and laughter around the table, especially when someone claimed they could handle extra spice!
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of beef for pepper steak?
Yes, chicken can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly for tenderness. Rotisserie Chicken Soup. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
What side dishes pair well with pepper steak?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables make excellent sides to complement pepper steak. Creamy Parmesan Orzo.
How do I ensure my steak is tender?
Marinate well and allow it to rest after cooking for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
Pepper Steak
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pepper Steak is a delightful dish featuring tender beef strips sautéed with vibrant bell peppers in a savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, bringing bold flavors and bright colors to your table. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thinly
- 2 cups assorted bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, and cornstarch to create a marinade. Add the beef and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until tender-crisp (about 3-4 minutes).
- Push vegetables to one side of the skillet and add marinated beef. Cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
- If using ginger, add it now along with any remaining marinade. Stir everything together until heated through.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
