Elevate your dinner experience with this tantalizing Pepper Steak recipe! Bursting with savory flavors and vibrant colors, this dish promises to satisfy your taste buds with its perfect balance of spices and tender beef slices.
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Meal
- Quick Preparation. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious meal without the hassle.
- Effortless Cooking. With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, you’ll breeze through the cooking process with ease, even if you’re not a seasoned chef.
- Irresistible Flavor. The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving more after every bite.
Say goodbye to bland meals and hello to culinary bliss with this simple yet irresistible recipe.
What Cut Of Meat Is Pepper Steak?
Pepper steak typically consists of thinly sliced beef steak, such as flank steak, ribeye steak, or sirloin steak, that is cooked quickly with a flavorful pepper sauce. The beef is usually cut against the grain into thin strips, which helps to tenderize the meat and ensures a more tender bite.
Why Is Pepper Steak So Tender?
Pepper steak is often tender due to a combination of factors:
- Choice of Meat. Pepper steak is typically made with tender cuts of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin steak. These cuts are naturally more tender compared to tougher cuts like chuck or round steak.
- Thin Slices. The beef is usually thinly sliced against the grain, which helps break up the muscle fibers and makes the meat more tender.
- Marination. Some recipes call for marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings, which can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Quick Cooking. Pepper steak is cooked quickly over high heat, usually in a hot skillet or wok. This rapid cooking method helps preserve the tenderness of the meat and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Sauce. The sauce used in pepper steak often contains ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch, which can help coat the meat and add moisture, further contributing to its tenderness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef Sirloin or Ribeye– The star of the show, choose high-quality beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Bell Peppers– Opt for a variety of colorful bell peppers, such as red, green, and yellow, to add visual appeal and a sweet, crunchy texture to the dish.
- Onion– Sliced onions provide a savory sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the steak.
- Garlic– Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic taste that complements the beef and peppers perfectly.
- Soy Sauce– Adds depth of flavor and a savory umami kick to the dish.
- Cornstarch– Helps thicken the sauce and create a velvety texture that coats the steak and vegetables beautifully.
- Ground Black Pepper– Adds a bold, peppery flavor that balances the sweetness of the bell peppers and onions.
- Salt– Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and ensures a well-seasoned dish.
- Vegetable Oil– Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables to perfection.
How To Make Pepper Steak
- Prepare the Beef. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss until the beef is evenly coated, then set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan and sauté until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef. In the same skillet, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to allow them to sear and develop a golden crust. Stir-fry until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness, then return the cooked vegetables to the pan.
- Thicken the Sauce. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy. Garnish the Pepper Steak with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make delicious pepper steak:
- Choose the Right Cut. Select tender cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin steak for the best results. These cuts are naturally tender and work well for quick-cooking dishes like pepper steak.
- Slice Against the Grain. When slicing the beef, cut against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.
- Use High Heat. Cook the pepper steak over high heat to quickly sear the beef and lock in its juices. A hot skillet or wok works best for achieving a nice sear on the meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan. Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the meat to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less flavorful and less tender dish.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations for pepper steak that you can try:
- Mushroom- Add sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry for an earthy flavor and extra texture. You can use a variety of mushrooms like button mushrooms, cremini, or shiitake.
- Spicy- For a bit of heat, add sliced chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry. You can adjust the amount of spice according to your preference to create a dish with a kick.
- Slow Cooker- Make pepper steak even easier by preparing it in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook low and slow until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
What To Serve With Pepper Steak
Pepper steak pairs well with a variety of sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:
- Rice– Fluffy white rice is a classic accompaniment to pepper steak, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted Potatoes– Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices add a comforting and hearty element to the meal.
- Asparagus– Tender asparagus spears provide a fresh and vibrant side dish with a hint of smokiness.
- Salad– A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pepper steak.
How Long Does It Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
You can freeze pepper steak for up to 2-3 months. It’s best to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
When reheating, thaw the steak overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
More Of Our Best Beef Recipes
Pin It!
If you love this Pepper Steak recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don’t forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.
Leave feedback about this