Pepper steak is a delightful dish featuring tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be paired with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. The combination of juicy beef and colorful veggies makes this dish as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
To serve 4, you'll need:
For the Beef and Marinade:
- 500g beef steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, beef broth, and cornstarch. Stir well and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet.
- Sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
- Sprinkle in the freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors combine.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak
- Tender Beef: Use a tender cut like sirloin, flank, or ribeye, and slice thinly against the grain.
- Even Cooking: Cut the vegetables into uniform strips for even cooking.
- Spicier Option: Add red chili flakes or sliced chilies for a spicy twist.
Enjoy your homemade pepper steak—a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen!