Homemade Pepper Steak: A Flavorful and Simple Recipe

Oh, the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal! There’s something truly magical about transforming simple ingredients into a dish that warms the soul and gathers loved ones around the table. Today, we’re diving into a classic that does just that: a glorious Pepper Steak. This dish, with its tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory sauce, truly embodies the joy of a homemade, flavor-packed dinner.

I remember countless evenings gathered in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with anticipation as she’d prepare her own version of comforting dishes. While her specialty was always a sweet treat, the spirit of creating something delicious from scratch, with love in every stir, is what I carry with me into every recipe I share with you.

This homestyle Pepper Steak recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes. Plus, my little secret for the best Pepper Steak is always to let the beef marinate just a little longer—it makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting the perfect Pepper Steak begins with a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients. We’re talking tender flank or sirloin steak, vibrant bell peppers in all their colorful glory, and a robust sauce that brings it all together with notes of soy, oyster, and ginger. It’s truly a delight! You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements ready for you in the recipe card below, perfect for your next family dinner.

How to Make Pepper Steak

Whipping up this delightful Pepper Steak is a breeze! You’ll start by marinating your tender beef, letting it soak up all those incredible flavors. While that’s happening, you’ll prep your colorful vegetables and whisk together the rich, savory sauce. Then, it’s a quick sear for the beef, a sauté for the veggies, and finally, everything comes together in a luscious simmer. Easy peasy, and oh so delicious!

Classic Homestyle Pepper Steak

This classic pepper steak recipe features tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dinner that comes together easily for a delicious weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Marinade

• 1.5 lbs Flank Steak or Sirloin Steak thinly sliced against the grain into 1/4-inch strips
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce low sodium preferred
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil

For the Sauce

• 1 cup Beef Broth low sodium
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce low sodium preferred
• 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar packed
• 1/2 tsp White Pepper or black pepper

For Stir-Frying

• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil divided
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger grated or minced
• 1 large Green Bell Pepper cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large Red Bell Pepper cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium Yellow Onion cut into 1-inch pieces

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Prepare and Marinate Beef

1. Place the thinly sliced beef in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Toss well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.

Prepare Vegetables and Sauce

1. Core, seed, and cut the bell peppers and onion into roughly 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, brown sugar, and white pepper until smooth and no lumps of cornstarch remain. Set aside.

Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add half of the marinated beef in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, then remove to a clean plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sear the second batch of beef, then remove to the same plate.

Sauté Vegetables

1. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the bell peppers and onion to the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed). Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine and Simmer

1. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk again (cornstarch tends to settle). Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Return the cooked beef strips (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the beef and vegetables with the thickened sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve

1. Serve immediately over steamed white rice or brown rice, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the ginger and garlic. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can use beef stock instead of broth. To ensure tender beef, make sure to slice it against the grain and avoid overcooking it.

Pro Tips for Making This Pepper Steak

Creating the perfect homestyle Pepper Steak is all about those little touches that elevate a good meal to a truly memorable one. Here are some of my tried-and-true tips, straight from my kitchen to yours!

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to slice the flank or sirloin steak against the grain into thin strips. This isn’t just a fancy chef’s move; it’s my personal guarantee for melt-in-your-mouth tender beef in every bite of your Pepper Steak, making it incredibly enjoyable.

Don’t rush the marinade process for this delicious Pepper Steak. Even 20 minutes makes a world of difference for the beef to absorb those incredible soy and cornstarch flavors. If you have extra time, letting it sit for an hour or two in the fridge will deepen the taste beautifully.

When it comes to cooking the beef, make sure your wok or skillet is piping hot. This creates that lovely sear and locks in the juices, ensuring your beef stays tender and doesn’t steam. I always do this to achieve that perfect caramelized exterior.

For vibrant, crisp-tender bell peppers, only sauté them briefly. You want them to retain a little bite and their beautiful color. Overcooking can make them limp and dull, and we want our Pepper Steak to be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!

Fun Variations for Pepper Steak

One of the things I adore about cooking at home is the freedom to play with flavors and make a dish truly your own. Our classic Pepper Steak is wonderfully versatile, and I encourage you to experiment! My sister always asks me to try new twists, and it’s always fun to see what we come up with.

• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. My friend, Mark, absolutely loves a spicier Pepper Steak, so I sometimes add thinly sliced jalapeños along with the bell peppers for an extra kick!
• Mushroom Magic: For an earthy depth, toss in some sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms when you’re sautéing your bell peppers. They absorb the savory sauce beautifully and add another layer of texture to this wonderful Pepper Steak.
• Pineapple Perfection: For a hint of sweetness and a touch of tropical flair, a few chunks of fresh or canned pineapple (drained) can be added during the simmering stage. It brightens up the flavors in a surprising way!

What to Serve With Pepper Steak

A delicious Pepper Steak is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments truly completes the meal, making it feel like a cherished family gathering. It reminds me of how my mom always insisted on having a full spread for Sunday dinner.

I love serving this flavorful Pepper Steak over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, which perfectly soaks up all that incredible sauce. Steamed white rice or brown rice also works beautifully.

For a lighter touch, a simple side of steamed broccoli or snow peas adds a wonderful freshness and crunch. My mom always pairs this kind of dish with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Another wonderful option is some simple lo mein noodles or even quinoa for a heartier, more nutritious take. And if you’re looking for a quick serving idea, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish adds a lovely nutty aroma and a touch of elegance to your homestyle Pepper Steak.

How to Store Pepper Steak

After all the love you’ve poured into making this delicious Pepper Steak, you’ll want to ensure any leftovers stay just as scrumptious! Proper storage is key to enjoying those flavors again.

Refrigerator Storage

Once your Pepper Steak has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like storing dishes like this in glass containers; they seem to keep the flavors truer, in my opinion!

Freezer Tips

If you’d like to keep your Pepper Steak longer, it freezes quite well. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave it until heated through. A light sprinkle of fresh green onions or a dash of sesame oil after reheating can really bring your leftover Pepper Steak back to life, making it taste freshly made!

Nutritional Benefits

Our delightful Pepper Steak, featuring lean cuts of beef and an abundance of colorful bell peppers, offers a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The flank or sirloin steak provides excellent lean protein, essential for muscle health, while the vibrant red, green, and yellow bell peppers are packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and beneficial antioxidants. It’s a wonderful example of combining indulgent flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients to create a balanced, delicious meal.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use a different cut of beef for Pepper Steak?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin steak is ideal for this Pepper Steak, you can also use skirt steak or even a lean beef stir-fry cut. Just ensure you slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Faq 2

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds a unique savory depth to Pepper Steak, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a bit more soy sauce mixed with a pinch of sugar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami.

Faq 3

How can I make the sauce thicker for my Pepper Steak?
The cornstarch in the recipe should thicken the sauce perfectly as it simmers. If you prefer it even thicker, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Faq 4

Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time for this Pepper Steak?
Yes, you can! Chop your bell peppers and onion a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your Pepper Steak even quicker on a busy weeknight.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade meal, and our Classic Homestyle Pepper Steak is truly a testament to that joy. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create comforting flavors and cherished memories right in your own kitchen. I hope this easy Pepper Steak inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table and savor every delicious bite. Remember, with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can become magical treats, bringing smiles and warmth to every gathering. Happy cooking!