Here’s a classic Pepper Steak recipe 🥩🌶—tender beef with bell peppers in a savory, slightly sweet sauce.
Ingredients (4 servings)
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2–3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate beef:
- In a bowl, combine beef, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and black pepper. Let sit 10–15 minutes.
- Cook beef:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet or wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef 2–3 minutes until just browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- Add remaining oil to the pan.
- Stir-fry onion and bell peppers 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Make sauce:
- Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Combine beef and sauce:
- Return beef to the pan.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
- Extra peppery: Add crushed black pepper while cooking and a few sliced chili peppers.
- Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Marinate beef for a few hours to deepen flavor.
- Low-sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and less salt.
I can also give a quick 20-minute one-pan version or an air fryer + skillet combo for faster cooking.