Easy Pepper Steak

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pepper Steak is a classic dish that’s easy to whip up and packed with flavor. The combination of tender flank steak or sirloin with crunchy mini bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce creates a satisfying meal. The soy sauce provides depth and the rice wine vinegar adds just the right amount of tang, while the ginger and garlic bring an aromatic kick. It’s quick to make, coming together in under 30 minutes, and perfect for serving over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, cut into thin strips across the grain
• 1 cup mini bell peppers, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Sesame seeds for serving, if desired
• Green onions for serving, if desired

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, pepper, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and set the sauce mixture aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced flank steak or sirloin to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the diced mini bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for about 2-3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften and become fragrant.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the beef and peppers. Stir to coat the beef and peppers evenly in the sauce.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
7. Serve the pepper steak over rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: You can include additional vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: For some heat, add sliced fresh chilies or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Different Protein: Swap the beef for chicken, or even tofu to create different variations of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the vegetables may soften a bit more.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use any cut of beef that’s good for stir-frying, such as sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and beef ahead of time, but the dish is best cooked fresh. If you do make it ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?

Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but keep in mind it will make the dish saltier. If you use regular soy sauce, you may want to reduce the amount of soy sauce in the recipe.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Fresh bell peppers work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen bell peppers if necessary. Just be aware that they may release more moisture when cooked.

Can I add more sauce?

If you like more sauce, you can easily double the ingredients for the sauce or add a little extra water and soy sauce to your liking. Adjust the cornstarch as needed to ensure the sauce thickens.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Be sure to check that your rice wine vinegar is gluten-free as well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add fresh chilies, red pepper flakes, or a bit more sriracha to the sauce.

Can I use other vegetables in this dish?

Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the vegetables stay crisp-tender.

Can I use another type of vinegar?

If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I serve this dish with noodles instead of rice?

Absolutely! This dish goes great with noodles, such as rice noodles, soba noodles, or even egg noodles.

Conclusion

This Easy Pepper Steak is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and packed with taste. The combination of tender beef, savory sauce, and crunchy bell peppers makes for a delicious meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. With minimal ingredients and a short cook time, this dish is an easy way to enjoy a delicious, homemade Asian-inspired meal.

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