The Best Pepper Steak Recipe

The Juicy Pepper Steak Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting an incredible pepper steak requires more than just ingredients, it’s about creating a culinary symphony that dances on your palate.

Tender beef strips become magical when paired with robust seasonings and vibrant bell peppers.

Authentic chinese cuisine inspires this classic dish, bringing bold flavors directly to your kitchen.

Every bite promises a perfect balance between succulent meat and zesty spices.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe with simple techniques and fresh components.

Professional chefs might appreciate the delicate art of searing meat to lock in rich, complex flavors.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience.

How To Store The Best Pepper Steak Safely

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm the pepper steak in a skillet over medium-low heat.

The Best Pepper Steak Questions Answered

  • What kind of steak works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they’re tender, lean, and absorb marinades well. These cuts cook quickly and remain juicy when stir-fried.

  • How long should I marinate the steak?

Marinate for at least 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have more time, marinating up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.

  • Can I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the glaze for extra heat. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make this dish gluten-free friendly.

Why Folks Love The Best Pepper Steak

  • Boost Your Cooking Confidence: Master this pepper steak recipe with simple steps that make you feel like a pro chef without any complicated techniques.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: Prepare a delicious dinner in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and nutritious.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap vegetables or adjust spice levels to match your family's preferences, making this dish a versatile crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone happy.
  • Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Enjoy the rich, savory taste of stir-fried pepper steak without the expense of dining out, bringing gourmet restaurant experience right to your kitchen table.

Ingredients In The Best Pepper Steak

Main Ingredients:
  • Steak: A tender cut of beef that forms the protein base of this delicious pepper steak dish.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant flavor to the recipe.
  • Onions: Provide a sharp, aromatic base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Sugar: Create a flavorful and thickening marinade that tenderizes and seasons the steak.
  • Garlic Powder, Ginger, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and complexity to the meat's flavor profile.
Cooking and Glaze Ingredients:
  • Cooking Oil: Helps in stir-frying the vegetables and steak, preventing sticking and adding a light sear.
  • Glaze Ingredients: A sauce mixture that coats the steak and vegetables, providing a glossy and flavorful finish to the dish.

How To Make The Best Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Chop up your colorful bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces. Keep the veggies and meat in separate bowls to stay organized.

Step 2: Create Magical Marinade

In a small bowl, whip up a flavor-packed marinade with:
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Sugar
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground ginger
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss the steak strips in this zesty mixture. Let them chill in the refrigerator and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up Glossy Glaze

Mix together the glaze ingredients in a separate bowl. Set it aside and get ready for some serious cooking magic.

Step 4: Sizzle the Vegetables

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Scoop them out and set aside.

Step 5: Brown the Beef

Add another splash of oil to the skillet. Slide in the marinated steak strips. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Pour the prepared glaze over everything. Stir and toss for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate your pepper steak over fluffy rice or twirly noodles. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every single bite!

Tips For Cooking The Best Pepper Steak

  • Slice Against the Grain: Cut steak perpendicular to muscle fibers for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Marinate Strategically: Let steak absorb marinade for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect brown sear without burning the meat or vegetables.
  • Rest Meat Briefly: Allow steak to sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring juicier, more flavorful bites.
  • Vegetable Crunch Matters: Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color, avoiding overcooking.

Try New Takes On The Best Pepper Steak

  • Veggie Protein Swap: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, slicing and marinating similarly for a plant-based version that maintains the recipe's bold flavors.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice or noodles with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that keeps the pepper steak essence intact.
  • Spicy Korean Fusion: Add gochujang or Korean chili paste to the marinade and glaze for a fiery, authentic Korean-inspired pepper steak with extra depth.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the marinade, using lamb instead of beef for a Mediterranean-style pepper steak with robust herbal notes.

Good Sides With The Best Pepper Steak

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the pepper steak's rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the soy-based glaze.
  • Elevate with Garlic Fried Rice: Create a complementary side dish using the same skillet, toasting garlic and rice together to enhance the steak's savory profile and absorb the delicious sauce.
  • Match with Crisp Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm pepper steak.
  • Balance with Chilled Green Tea: Serve a cold, slightly bitter green tea to cleanse the palate and offset the rich, umami-packed flavors of the pepper steak.
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The Best Pepper Steak Recipe

The Best Pepper Steak Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 19-29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling pepper steak delights taste buds with rich, tender beef embracing bold Asian-inspired flavors. Savory strips of meat dance with colorful bell peppers, promising a delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb round steak (sirloin or venison, sliced thinly against the grain)

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 bell pepper (sliced, half red and half green)

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 5 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Dash of salt
  • Dash of pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare thin, uniform slices of steak and crisp bell peppers, ensuring each ingredient is neatly arranged for efficient cooking.
  2. Create a robust marinade by whisking soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat steak slices and refrigerate for enhanced flavor infusion, ideally 30 minutes.
  3. Craft a glossy glaze in a separate container, combining complementary liquid and seasoning elements.
  4. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, around 400°F. Rapidly sauté vegetables for 3-4 minutes until edges become slightly caramelized but maintain vibrant color and crispness. Transfer to a holding plate.
  5. Introduce remaining oil to skillet, then swiftly sear steak slices for 4-6 minutes, achieving a golden-brown exterior while preserving tender interior.
  6. Reunite vegetables with sizzling steak, cascade prepared glaze across the skillet, and gently toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce transforms into a luxurious, glossy coating.
  7. Plate immediately atop steaming rice or twirled noodles, garnishing with optional green onion slivers for added freshness.

Notes

  • Tenderize tough cuts by marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes to break down muscle fibers and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing, cutting thin strips about 1/4 inch thick for quick cooking.
  • Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve perfect steak browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free options or using alternative protein like tofu for vegetarian versions.
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9-14 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 255 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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