How do you make pepper steak at home?

To make pepper steak at home, start by thinly slicing flank or sirloin steak and bell peppers. Stir-fry the peppers in a hot pan with oil until they soften, then add the steak and cook until browned. Mix together a simple sauce using soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of cornstarch for thickening. Pour the sauce over the meat and peppers and cook for another few minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve the dish hot over steamed rice for a quick and flavorful meal.

What cuts of beef are best for pepper steak?

The best cuts of beef for pepper steak are lean, tender cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or round steak. These cuts slice well against the grain and cook quickly in a stir-fry, ensuring the meat stays tender without becoming tough. Choosing cuts with minimal marbling helps prevent excess fat from overpowering the dish's flavors.

Can I make pepper steak without a wok?

Yes, pepper steak can be made without a wok by using a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat to get a good sear on the meat and peppers. Stir frequently to cook the ingredients evenly. A heavy skillet helps retain heat well, which is essential for achieving the typical texture and flavor of a stir-fry dish.

How long should I cook the steak in pepper steak to avoid it becoming tough?

Thinly sliced steak should be cooked quickly over high heat, usually 2 to 4 minutes, until just browned but still tender. Overcooking can make the meat tough and chewy. When adding the sauce, simmer only until it thickens, which typically takes 1 to 2 minutes. Removing the steak from heat promptly keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Is pepper steak healthy and what are common side dishes?

Pepper steak can be a healthy meal when made with lean beef, plenty of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and a moderate amount of sauce low in sugar and sodium. It provides protein, vitamins, and minerals. Common sides include steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad complements the dish nicely.

Pepper Steak Recipe With Savory Sauce And Colorful Peppers

Name: Pepper Steak
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for browning the steak and peppers (divided use); – 1 red bell pepper (cored, seeded, cut into strips) for sweetness and crunch; – 1 green bell pepper (cored, seeded, cut into strips) for fresh, slightly bitter contrast; – 1 1/4 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced) as the main protein; – 2 teaspoons minced garlic for aroma and depth of flavor; – 1 teaspoon minced ginger for warm, spicy note and digestion aid; – salt and pepper to taste for seasoning; – 1/4 cup soy sauce as the base of the savory sauce; – 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar for sweetness; – 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch as a thickener; – 1/4 cup water to mix and adjust sauce consistency

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for browning the steak and peppers (divided use)

– 1 red bell pepper (cored, seeded, cut into strips) for sweetness and crunch

– 1 green bell pepper (cored, seeded, cut into strips) for fresh, slightly bitter contrast

– 1 1/4 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced) as the main protein

– 2 teaspoons minced garlic for aroma and depth of flavor

– 1 teaspoon minced ginger for warm, spicy note and digestion aid

– salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

– 1/4 cup soy sauce as the base of the savory sauce

– 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar for sweetness

– 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch as a thickener

– 1/4 cup water to mix and adjust sauce consistency

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Instructions

First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Gather all your ingredients first to make things go faster. Thinly slice 1 1/4 pounds of flank steak against the grain for tenderness. Core and seed 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, then cut them into strips. Mince 2 teaspoons of garlic and 1 teaspoon of ginger so they’re ready to go. This prep takes about 10 minutes and sets you up for success.

Second Step: Cook the Peppers Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften but still have a bit of crunch. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step brings out the peppers’ natural sweetness and adds color to your dish.

Third Step: Sear the Steak Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan and turn the heat to high. Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Cook the steak for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and no longer pink inside. For those watching their sodium, you can use less salt here to adapt.

Fourth Step: Add Aromatics Stir in the minced garlic and ginger once the steak is browned. Cook for about 30 seconds until their aroma fills the kitchen. This quick addition builds layers of flavor without overpowering the meat, and it’s a great spot to try variations if you like things spicier.

Fifth Step: Combine and Sauce Put the cooked peppers back into the pan with the steak. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables, then bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely. If you’re making it gluten-free, remember to use the right soy sauce alternative here.

Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Take the pan off the heat and serve your pepper steak hot over steamed rice. This totals about 20 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for busy schedules. Feel free to add extra veggies like tomatoes for more nutrition, and pair it with something like garlic butter steak and potatoes for a fuller meal that still keeps things simple and tasty.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥩 Partially freeze flank steak 20-30 minutes before slicing for easier thin cuts.
🌈 Any color bell pepper works; red, yellow, orange are sweeter than green.
🍅 Optionally add tomatoes or sliced onions to enhance flavor.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Stir Fry
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 277 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 687 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg