If you’re craving a dish that packs bold flavors, vibrant colors, and is ready in a flash, then you’re in for a treat with this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe. Tender strips of flank steak meld with crisp bell peppers and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with a sizzling stir-fry, this recipe delivers every single time, making it an absolute keeper in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role without overwhelming your taste buds. From the umami-rich soy sauce to the crunchy bell peppers, every component contributes to the texture, flavor, and color that make this dish irresistible.
- 1.5 lbs flank steak: Thinly slicing the steak ensures quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory base that enhances every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish that clings perfectly to the steak.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides the ideal searing surface for that perfect caramelization.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sweetness and soft texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a hint of fruity crispness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Complements with its slightly bitter crunch for contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic pungency.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced: Offers a warm, zesty kick that brightens flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning balance.
How to Make Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins, tenderizing your flank steak and infusing it with a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Toss the thinly sliced steak in this mixture until every piece is coated beautifully. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to soak in all those delicious notes.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. This high heat is key to getting a nice sear without overcooking. Add the marinated steak slices and let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest—it’s about to reunite with those gorgeous veggies shortly!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just tender but still crisp. This quick cooking preserves their vibrant color and lovely crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender steak.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for an additional minute. This step releases fragrant oils that awaken the senses and deepen the dish’s complexity. You’ll instantly notice that mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen—it’s a beautiful precursor to the feast ahead.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked steak slices to the skillet and toss everything together. Let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the steak and vegetables evenly. This final simmer lets all the flavors mingle and intensify, achieving the perfect balance that makes this the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe.
How to Serve Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add a fresh pop of flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions or a few sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes provide a subtle crunch and visual appeal that make each bite feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up the savory sauce wonderfully. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or even stir-fried noodles for a different texture that still complements the dish’s punchy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or add a bit of flair? Serve your Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe atop crispy wonton chips for a fun appetizer twist, or pile it into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld delight. These creative presentations make mealtime even more exciting and versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cool them down quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your pepper steak will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a hearty lunch the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well thanks to its robust flavors. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy your Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe any time the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even warming. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to keep the steak moist and tender. Either way, your flavors and textures will hold up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak can also work well. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly across the grain for the best texture.
Is oyster sauce absolutely necessary?
Oyster sauce adds a unique depth of flavor that’s hard to replace, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar to mimic its sweetness and umami.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the flank steak for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom soy sauce to keep that rich, savory flavor. The bell peppers and aromatics still shine beautifully in this version.
How spicy is this dish?
This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe is not spicy by default, focusing on savory and sweet flavor profiles. However, you can easily add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers if you want an extra kick.
What type of rice pairs best with this recipe?
Plain steamed white rice or jasmine rice are classic choices because their light texture balances the robust flavors of the pepper steak. Brown rice is a nutritious option if you prefer a nuttier taste and heartier texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and exciting about making the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe at home—it’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor every single time. Once you try this, it’s sure to become a staple, something you crave when you want a fuss-free yet impressive meal. So grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe delivers tender, marinated flank steak stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger in a savory soy and oyster sauce. Quick and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Marinade and Meat
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to form a marinade. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and mix to coat evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes to develop flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated steak slices and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion along with the red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften but retain some crunch for texture.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for an additional one minute until fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables and aromatics. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the steak and vegetables thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- For tender steak, slice flank steak thinly against the grain.
- Marinating the steak for longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the flavors.
- Vegetables should stay slightly crisp; avoid overcooking.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for best results.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to control sodium levels according to your taste or dietary restrictions.
