Name: Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: chinese-american
Ingredients: 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced; 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Cooked rice (for serving)

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Short Description

Pepper steak with bell peppers and onion is a savory and satisfying stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a flavorful, savory sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of rich umami flavors with a hint of sweetness and spice. Served over rice or noodles, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive homemade dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.
Rich and Savory – The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a delicious umami-packed sauce.
Customizable – You can swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritious – Loaded with protein from the beef and vitamins from the bell peppers, this dish is both filling and healthy.
One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup with a single pan required for cooking.

Ingredients

Beef (such as flank steak or sirloin)
Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
Onion
Garlic
Ginger
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Cornstarch
Beef broth or water
Brown sugar
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Green onions (for garnish)
Cooked rice (for serving)

Directions

Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. In a bowl, toss the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth (or water), brown sugar, and a dash of red pepper flakes if using. Stir until well combined.
Cook the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the onion, garlic, and ginger for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil and toss in chopped green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for extra heat.
Different Proteins: Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a variation.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the oyster sauce to control salt levels.
Extra Vegetables: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for more variety and nutrition.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef and vegetables separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

How do I make the beef tender?

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and marinate it with cornstarch and soy sauce. This helps break down the muscle fibers for a more tender bite.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

What type of beef is best for pepper steak?

Flank steak, sirloin, or top round steak work well due to their tenderness and quick cooking time.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but they may release more moisture and be softer in texture. Fresh bell peppers are recommended for the best crunch.

What can I serve with pepper steak?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the skillet, cooking until thickened.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours, but reduce the liquid slightly to prevent a watery sauce.

How do I prevent overcooking the beef?

Cook the beef quickly on high heat and remove it from the pan before adding the vegetables.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or chili sauce.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Slice the beef and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Cook when ready for a quick meal.

Conclusion

Pepper steak with bell peppers and onion is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender beef with crisp vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this one-pan meal is packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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