Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a classic and delicious dish that combines tender strips of steak with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also flavorful and satisfying enough for a special occasion. The stir-fry method ensures that the steak stays juicy while the vegetables retain their crisp-tender texture. The result is a vibrant, protein-packed meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to master the art of stir-frying and create a mouthwatering pepper steak dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s go through the step-by-step process of making Pepper Steak Stir Fry.

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

The first step is to prepare the steak by slicing it thinly and marinating it for extra flavor and tenderness.

1. Slice the Steak: Take your flank steak or sirloin and slice it against the grain into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. Slicing against the grain helps break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender when cooked.
2. Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced steak to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This short marinade time allows the steak to absorb the flavors and become tender.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

While the steak is marinating, you can prepare the vegetables for the stir-fry.

1. Slice the Bell Peppers: Cut the bell peppers into thin strips, about the same size as the steak strips. Using a variety of colored bell peppers (red, green, yellow, and orange) adds visual appeal and a range of flavors.
2. Slice the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into thin wedges or strips. The onions should cook quickly and caramelize slightly during the stir-fry.
3. Mince the Garlic and Ginger: Finely mince 3 cloves of garlic and a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. These aromatics will add depth and brightness to the dish.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

Next, you’ll make the stir-fry sauce that will coat the steak and vegetables.

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, ½ cup of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Set the sauce aside until you’re ready to add it to the stir-fry.
2. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. This slurry will help thicken the sauce during cooking.

Step 4: Stir-Frying the Steak

Stir-frying is a quick and high-heat cooking method, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.
2. Cook the Steak: Once the pan is hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Stir-fry the steak for 2-3 minutes, until it is browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 5: Stir-Frying the Vegetables

After cooking the steak, it’s time to stir-fry the vegetables.

1. Add More Oil to the Pan: If needed, add another tablespoon of oil to the pan.
2. Stir-Fry the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften and turn translucent.
3. Add the Bell Peppers: Add the bell pepper strips to the pan and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. The peppers should still have a slight crunch to them for texture.

Step 6: Adding the Garlic and Ginger

Once the vegetables are nearly done, it’s time to add the aromatics.

1. Add the Garlic and Ginger: Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan to create a well in the center. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the center of the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Combine the Ingredients: After the garlic and ginger become fragrant, mix them into the vegetables.

Step 7: Adding the Sauce and Steak

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Return the Steak to the Pan: Add the cooked steak back into the pan with the vegetables.
2. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Add the Cornstarch Slurry: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan and stir to combine. The sauce will begin to thicken as it heats up, coating the steak and vegetables with a glossy finish.

Step 8: Final Adjustments and Serving

Before serving, taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning if needed.

1. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry and add more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the flavors. If you like your stir-fry a little spicier, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha.
2. Serve: Serve the Pepper Steak Stir Fry over steamed rice or noodles. You can also garnish it with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Customizing the Recipe

One of the great things about stir-fry recipes is their versatility. You can easily customize the Pepper Steak Stir Fry to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for making the recipe your own.

Different Proteins

• Chicken: For a lighter option, you can substitute the steak with sliced chicken breast or thigh meat. Chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap out the steak for firm tofu. Be sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture, and stir-fry it until golden brown on all sides.
• Shrimp: Shrimp can also be used in place of steak for a seafood twist on the dish. Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.

Different Vegetables

Feel free to add or substitute vegetables in the stir-fry based on what you have on hand.

• Snow Peas or Snap Peas: Add a crisp, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
• Broccoli: Broccoli florets pair well with the savory sauce and add a nutritional boost.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add color and sweetness to the stir-fry.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

The Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a delicious and satisfying meal that is packed with flavor, color, and texture. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. By using high-quality ingredients, mastering the stir-fry technique, and making the sauce from scratch, you’ll create a dish that’s far better than takeout. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that your family and friends will love!

Yield: 4

Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

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Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a classic and delicious dish that combines tender strips of steak with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also flavorful and satisfying enough for a special occasion. The stir-fry method ensures that the steak stays juicy while the vegetables retain their crisp-tender texture. The result is a vibrant, protein-packed meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to master the art of stir-frying and create a mouthwatering pepper steak dish.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak:

• Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain and toss it in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while preparing the vegetables.

2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, beef broth (or water), sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

3. Cook the Steak:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned and almost fully cooked. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the bell peppers and onion, stirring frequently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften but still have a bit of crunch.

5. Combine and Stir Fry:

• Add the steak back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the top. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and vegetables.

6. Serve:

• Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil if desired. Serve the pepper steak stir fry over cooked rice.

Notes

• Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to this stir fry for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spiciness: If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.