Description
This easy pepper steak stir-fry is a takeout favorite made at home! Featuring tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce, it’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Beef: 1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers: 2 (red, green, or yellow), sliced
- Onion: 1 small, sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tsp, minced
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tsp
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Beef broth or water: ¼ cup
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Red pepper flakes (optional): ¼ tsp
- Cooking oil: 2 tbsp
- Green onions: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice: for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice beef against the grain. Toss with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Chop the Vegetables: Slice bell peppers, onion, and mince garlic and ginger.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, broth, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and sear beef in batches for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add remaining oil. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir well. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy over hot, steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Tender Beef Tip: Marinate with cornstarch and soy sauce; add baking soda for extra tenderness.
- Vegetarian Swap: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of beef.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients in advance and cook fresh for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese-Inspired
Keywords: pepper steak stir-fry, homemade takeout, beef stir-fry, quick Asian dinner, easy stir-fry recipe