Description
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a vibrant, quick-cooking Asian-American stir-fry dish featuring tender thinly sliced flank or sirloin steak, colorful bell peppers, and onions in a savory soy-based sauce. This dish marries bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it a perfect weeknight dinner served over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper (optional), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, water (or beef broth), and cornstarch until fully combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in one even layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly undercooked. Remove the steak and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until they are just tender but still vibrant. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the seared steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the steak is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies into the sauce.
- Enhance the vegetable mix by adding mushrooms or snap peas to the skillet.
- Ensure slicing the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control salt content.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
