Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a well-loved, flavorful dish perfect for when you crave a homemade stir-fry packed with tender slices of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory onions, all glazed in a deliciously tangy sauce. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish combines rich flavors and fresh vegetables, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The recipe is straightforward yet satisfying, offering bold flavors and textures in every bite.

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir until well mixed.
2. Marinate the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef strips to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour if you have time) to absorb the flavors and tenderize.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce

1. Chop the Vegetables: Slice the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into thin strips, and slice the onion thinly as well. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce. Set both mixtures aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or peanut oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for about 1-2 minutes per side until seared and slightly browned. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the beef in batches if needed. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Add More Oil: If necessary, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Bell Peppers and Onions: Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

1. Return the Beef: Add the cooked beef back into the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour in the Sauce: Give the sauce mixture a quick stir and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated.
3. Add Cornstarch Slurry: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and fully coat the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate and Garnish: Serve the Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion over a bed of steamed white rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

• Thinly Slice the Beef: Thin strips of beef cook quickly, making the steak tender and easy to chew.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying at high heat allows for a quick sear that locks in flavors while keeping vegetables crisp.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or even carrots for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Pepper Steak: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to control the saltiness.
• Extra Saucy: Double the sauce ingredients if you love a saucy stir-fry.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to restore sauce consistency.

Conclusion

This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a delicious, hearty stir-fry that brings together the best of Chinese-American flavors. With its savory sauce, crisp vegetables, and tender beef, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for a cozy night in or a busy weeknight meal, this dish offers all the satisfaction of takeout with the comfort of a homemade recipe.

Yield: 4

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

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Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a well-loved, flavorful dish perfect for when you crave a homemade stir-fry packed with tender slices of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory onions, all glazed in a deliciously tangy sauce. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish combines rich flavors and fresh vegetables, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The recipe is straightforward yet satisfying, offering bold flavors and textures in every bite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak:
   Season the sliced steak with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, and cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
   
4. Combine Everything:
   Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with green onions if desired.

Notes

• Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli for extra variety.
• Adjust the Spice: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili for a spicy kick.