Craving a quick dinner with bold flavor and just the right amount of heat? Pepper steak is your answer. This classic stir-fry brings together juicy slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory garlic-soy sauce that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Best of all, it’s easy to make at home with just a few pantry staples. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the best pepper steak recipe—with step-by-step tips, smart shortcuts, and tasty variations.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Pepper Steak
Before we fire up the skillet, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make a sizzling plate of pepper steak. This dish shines with simple ingredients that, when combined right, deliver bold, savory flavor in every bite. Here’s what goes into the ultimate beef and pepper stir-fry:
🥩 Main Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame oil)
- ¼ cup water or beef broth
🍚 Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for heat
- Scallions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn, for extra veggies
🔄 Substitutions and Adjustments
- No oyster sauce? Add a splash more soy sauce with a dash of sugar.
- Gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Low-carb? Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
How to Make Pepper Steak Step by Step
Cooking pepper steak at home might sound like takeout-level magic, but it’s actually pretty simple. With the right steps, you’ll have a saucy, savory, and perfectly stir-fried beef and peppers dish in no time. Here’s how to bring it all together:
🔪 Step 1: Slice the Steak Properly
- Choose a tender cut like flank steak or sirloin.
- Slice it thinly against the grain—this keeps it tender and easy to chew.
- Pro tip: Chill the meat for 20–30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
🥣 Step 2: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, mix:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add the sliced steak, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 15–20 minutes.
Marinating adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
🔥 Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer (in batches if needed).
- Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked.
- Remove and set aside.
🧄 Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil, followed by:
- Sliced bell peppers
- Onions
- Garlic and ginger
- Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes, just until the veggies are tender-crisp.
🥡 Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water or broth
🍳 Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for 2–3 more minutes, letting the sauce thicken and cling to the beef and peppers.
🍚 Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Plate your hot pepper steak stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve immediately while it’s hot and saucy!
Tools You’ll Need for Perfect Pepper Steak
When it comes to making pepper steak that rivals your favorite restaurant, using the right kitchen tools makes the process smoother, faster, and more foolproof. Don’t worry—nothing fancy here, just practical gear you likely already have.
🍳 Cooking Essentials
- Wok or Large Skillet
A heavy-bottomed skillet or wok ensures even heat distribution and a proper sear on your beef. A wok is ideal for high-heat stir-frying. - Tongs or Stir-Fry Spatula
Helps toss the steak and veggies quickly and evenly, especially when cooking over high heat. - Meat Cutting Board
It’s best to use a separate board for raw meat to avoid cross-contamination. - Sharp Chef’s Knife
Thin, even slices are key in making pepper steak tender—this tool’s a must-have.
🥣 Prep and Mixing Gear
- Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two: one for marinating the beef and another for mixing the sauce. - Measuring Spoons and Cups
For precise sauce ratios and marinade ingredients—accuracy matters in stir-fry! - Whisk or Fork
Ideal for combining cornstarch with soy sauce and other liquid seasonings without lumps.
🔄 Optional But Helpful
- Paper Towels
Patting the steak dry before cooking helps with browning. - Digital Thermometer (optional)
Not essential, but helpful if you want to ensure the meat stays tender and not overdone. - Rice Cooker or Saucepan
Perfect for preparing fluffy rice to serve under your sizzling beef and pepper stir-fry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Steak
Got questions about making the perfect pepper steak? You’re not alone! Here are the answers to the most common ones, based on what people also ask online.
What cut of beef is best for pepper steak?
The best cuts for pepper steak are flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. These cuts are flavorful, quick to cook, and become super tender when sliced thin against the grain. Just don’t use stewing beef—it’s too tough for a fast stir-fry.
How do I make pepper steak tender?
Three key tricks:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
- Marinate it with soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Can I use frozen peppers for this recipe?
Yes, but they won’t be as crisp. Frozen bell peppers work in a pinch, especially for meal prep, but they release more water and can make your stir-fry softer. For the best texture, go fresh.
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