I am so excited to share this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen for busy weeknights when I crave something flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying. This dish combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and sweet onions, all coated in a savory sauce that just sings with umami richness. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and colors that makes every bite a delight and the whole meal feel like a little celebration at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe relies on simple, well-balanced ingredients that each play an essential role in creating its robust flavor and appealing look. Every component contributes a unique texture or taste that elevates this dish effortlessly.
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin: Choose well-marbled beef and slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides salty umami depth that flavors the beef beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the meat while giving the sauce a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a sweet, savory richness that’s essential in many Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Offers a subtle hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce base.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Brings vibrant color and a juicy crunch to the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced): Adds fresh, slightly bitter notes balancing the sweetness of the red bell pepper.
- 1 yellow onion (sliced): Contributes a mild sweetness and softness that complements the peppers and beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses robust aroma and sharpness that wakes up all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Brings bright warmth and subtle zing.
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water: Helps create a flavorful, glossy sauce coating every morsel.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and spice to finish the dish.
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish: These little touches add a delightful crunch and burst of fresh color at the end.
How to Make Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef in soy sauce and cornstarch. This simple marinade not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the steak, helping it stay juicy and soft through the quick stir-frying process. Let the beef rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you get the other ingredients ready—this little patience pays off in every bite!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth or water. This trio forms the heart of your savory sauce, perfectly balancing sweet, salty, and rich flavors. Setting it aside lets the flavors meld while you start cooking the beef and vegetables.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully browned and just cooked through. This quick searing locks in flavor and keeps the beef tender. Remove the beef and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll come back to the party soon!
Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then toss in your sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender-crisp, preserving their juicy crunch and bright colors. Then, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking everything together for about 30 seconds to release their intoxicating aromas.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the seared beef to the skillet, pour in your prepared sauce mixture, and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. At this stage, your kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering smells—it’s hard to wait to dig in!
How to Serve Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top just before serving. These garnishes add delightful texture and a fresh, herbal note that beautifully complements the rich, savory flavors of the stir fry.
Side Dishes
This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a low-carb alternative, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried noodles for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this stir fry in a colorful bowl with the beef and veggies artfully arranged on top of rice. Or, for a fun twist, stuff the mixture inside warm steamed buns or lettuce wraps to create handheld bites bursting with flavor. Either way, it’s certain to impress family and guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making for tasty next-day meals that are quick to reheat.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep this dish longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the tender texture and fresh flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts while stirring. Adding a splash of water or broth helps refresh the sauce and keeps everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are preferred for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use skirt steak or ribeye if thinly sliced. Just be sure to slice against the grain for the best texture.
Is this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce varieties. Always check labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I add heat to this recipe?
Definitely! For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies when stir-frying the garlic and ginger. It adds a lovely warmth without overpowering the dish.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still lend that subtle sweetness and complexity.
Can this stir fry be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The combination of bell peppers, onion, and the flavorful sauce will still shine beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a satisfying, colorful, and delicious meal with minimal fuss. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together quickly, perfect for busy days and cozy dinners alike. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to add to your weeknight rotation!
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Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and quick Pepper Steak stir-fry featuring tender flank steak with colorful bell peppers and onions, tossed in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to develop flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth in a small bowl. Set the mixture aside for later use.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then stir-fry the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds to release their fragrant flavors without burning.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, pour over the prepared sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the meat and vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili with the garlic for extra heat.
- Slice the flank steak very thin against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- This dish is equally delicious when served over noodles instead of rice.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
