Hello, food lovers! 😍 Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey? Today, I’m bringing you one of my all-time favorites, the Best Ever Pepper Steak! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will never disappoint. Tender beef, crispy veggies, and a savory sauce – all ready in just 30 minutes! Let’s dive in and get started with this mouth-watering dish.
Introduction
Pepper steak is a classic stir-fry dish that’s a staple in many Asian cuisines, but it has made its way into kitchens all around the world due to its simplicity and delicious flavors. This dish is known for its combination of tender beef, crispy bell peppers, and a savory sauce that ties it all together. It’s quick to make, but it packs a punch when it comes to flavor!
I remember the first time I tried pepper steak at a local restaurant, and I was immediately hooked. I wanted to recreate the same bold flavors at home, and after a few tries, I came up with this version that I think is even better than takeout! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this Best Ever Pepper Steak will quickly become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Pepper Steak Recipe for 4 servings, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Feel free to substitute ingredients to suit your dietary needs. For example, if you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce, and for a vegetarian version, swap the beef for mushrooms or tofu!
How to Make the Best Ever Pepper Steak
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Pepper Steak Recipe:
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef sirloin with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Cook: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoy this incredible dish with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal. 😊
Helpful Tips
- Slice the beef thin: This ensures that the beef cooks quickly and stays tender. To make it easier, try freezing the beef for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- High heat is key: When stir-frying, make sure your pan is hot. This will give the beef a nice sear and help the vegetables stay crispy.
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to your stir-fry like snap peas, carrots, or even mushrooms.
Cooking Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet or wok: These pans hold heat well and are perfect for high-heat cooking, which is crucial for achieving that signature stir-fry flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the pan is too full, the beef and veggies will steam instead of sear. Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Pre-mix your sauce: For an easier cooking experience, you can whisk together the broth, oyster sauce, and sugar before starting the stir-fry. This will save time when combining everything in the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Pepper steak is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides:
- White or brown rice: A classic option that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fried rice: Want to take it up a notch? Serve it with egg-fried rice for a heartier meal.
- Noodles: Stir-fried noodles are another great choice for an even more filling dinner.
- Steamed vegetables: If you want to add more greens to your meal, serve the steak with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy.
Pair the dish with an ice-cold drink like iced tea or even a glass of chilled white wine.
Nutritional Information
This Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a balanced meal for any day of the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 640mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 40% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Pepper steak is a great source of protein, iron, and vitamins, especially Vitamin C from the bell peppers. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet!
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef tender and the vegetables crisp. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
Pro Tip: You can use the leftovers to create a new meal by serving them in a wrap, on a sandwich, or as a topping for a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While sirloin is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use flank steak, ribeye, or even skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best results.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get a delicious, hearty meal.
3. Can I freeze pepper steak?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pepper steak in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Best Ever Pepper Steak, you’ll want to try these recipes too:
Conclusion
There you have it – your guide to making the Best Ever Pepper Steak at home! I hope you try this recipe and fall in love with it just as much as I did. It’s the perfect combination of savory, tender beef and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce that will leave you wanting more. 😋
Feel free to share your own variations or tips in the comments. I’d love to hear how this dish turned out for you! Enjoy your cooking, and until next time, happy eating!
Print
Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe – Quick & Delicious
Description
Hello, food lovers! 😍 Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey? Today, I’m bringing you one of my all-time favorites, the Best Ever Pepper Steak! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will never disappoint. Tender beef, crispy veggies, and a savory sauce – all ready in just 30 minutes! Let’s dive in and get started with this mouth-watering dish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef sirloin with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Cook: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Slice the beef thin: This ensures that the beef cooks quickly and stays tender. To make it easier, try freezing the beef for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- High heat is key: When stir-frying, make sure your pan is hot. This will give the beef a nice sear and help the vegetables stay crispy.
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to your stir-fry like snap peas, carrots, or even mushrooms.
