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–+ servings
Merry

Easy Homemade Pepper Steak Recipe

Pepper Steak is a flavorful stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving a healthy and delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mirin sweet Japanese cooking wine
  • ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Steak and Peppers:
  • 2 –3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1¼ lbs beef petite shoulder, flank steak, skirt steak, or top sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow onion sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger or ginger paste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Sauce
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Beef
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices in a single layer, seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper. Sear the beef until browned on both sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  5. Cook the Vegetables
  6. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the red and green bell peppers along with the onion for 2–3 minutes, or until they are just starting to brown on the edges. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
  7. Sauté Aromatics
  8. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a small amount of oil if needed, and stir in the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  9. Thicken the Sauce
  10. Whisk the sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly, and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  11. Combine and Serve
  12. Return the beef and vegetables to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Let the dish warm for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Beef Tips: For the best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain.
  • Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the texture of the beef and peppers.

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