Description
This pepper steak recipe is a quick, flavorful, and restaurant-style dish featuring tender beef, bell peppers, and a savory pepper sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and better than takeout! Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef & Vegetables:
✔ 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
✔ 1 tbsp cornstarch (for velveting the beef)
✔ 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
✔ 1 red bell pepper, sliced
✔ 1 green bell pepper, sliced
✔ ½ onion, thinly sliced
✔ 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
For the Pepper Sauce:
✔ 3 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
✔ 1 tbsp oyster sauce
✔ ½ cup beef broth
✔ 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
✔ ½ tsp white pepper (optional, for extra heat)
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 tsp ginger, minced
✔ 1 tsp sugar (or honey, for balance)
✔ 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix thinly sliced steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
2️⃣ Let it marinate for 15 minutes to ensure tenderness.
🔥 Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat.
🥩 Add the beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
🌶️ In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil and stir-fry bell peppers and onions for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
🥣 Add garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds.
🥄 Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, black pepper, white pepper, and sugar.
🔄 Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook until thickened.
🥩 Return the beef to the pan and toss everything together.
🍚 Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
✅ Enjoy your homemade pepper steak!
Notes
✔ Use high heat to achieve a great sear on the beef.
✔ Don’t overcook the peppers—they should stay crisp.
✔ For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil at the end.
✔ Spicier Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Keywords: pepper steak recipe, easy pepper steak, black pepper steak, Chinese stir-fry, steak with peppers, homemade beef stir-fry, best beef for stir-fry, how to make pepper steak