Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak
Pepper steak is one of those meals that comes together quickly on busy nights, making it a favorite for anyone like me who loves simple cooking without the fuss. It’s packed with lean beef and vibrant veggies, offering a balance of flavors that feels satisfying yet light. Whether you’re a home cook or a busy parent, this dish delivers deliciousness that’s easy to whip up and enjoy right away.
This pepper steak recipe stands out for its ease of preparation, allowing you to have a hot meal on the table in under 30 minutes. You’ll appreciate the health benefits from ingredients like lean flank steak and fresh bell peppers, which provide protein and essential vitamins. Its versatility also means you can tweak it for different tastes, from keto-friendly options to family-sized portions that everyone can share.
With its bold, savory flavors from a simple sauce, pepper steak makes every bite exciting. Imagine the tender steak paired with crunchy peppers and a touch of garlic for a taste that feels special without extra effort. This recipe is perfect for inspiring new flavors in your kitchen, just like Isabella shares on her blog.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Pepper Steak
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Pepper Steak: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pepper Steak
- 5. Mastering Pepper Steak: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Pepper Steak: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Steak
- 8. Pepper Steak
Essential Ingredients for Pepper Steak
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a tasty pepper steak, and I’ve pulled together a precise list based on a reliable recipe. This ensures you get the flavors and textures just right without any guesswork. Let’s break it down into a clear, structured list so you can easily follow along and measure everything out.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided use
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
This list covers everything you need for a complete dish that serves about four people. Each item plays a role in building flavor and texture, from the juicy steak to the crisp peppers. Feel free to check out our slow cooker pepper steak variation for more ideas on using these basics.
How to Prepare the Perfect Pepper Steak: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with pepper steak is all about keeping things simple and straightforward to build a meal that’s full of flavor. First, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat to get that perfect sizzle. Then, add the bell peppers and cook them for 3-4 minutes until they’re just tender, before setting them aside to keep their crunch.
Next, add the remaining oil to the pan and season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper for a tasty base. Increase the heat to high and cook the steak for 5-6 minutes until it’s lightly browned, locking in those juices. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their aroma without burning.
Now, return the peppers to the pan with the steak to mix everything together. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch to create a quick sauce. Pour this over the steak and peppers, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens nicely. Finally, serve it immediately with steamed rice for a complete, hearty meal that’s ready in no time. Prep time is just 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes, and total time is 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
Nutritional Highlights
To give you a better idea of what you’re enjoying, here’s a quick table of the nutritional info per serving. This helps if you’re watching your diet or just curious about the benefits.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 277 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 687mg |
| Potassium | 628mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Vitamin A | 1040 IU |
| Vitamin C | 61.9mg |
| Calcium | 36mg |
| Iron | 2.8mg |
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pepper Steak
Making pepper steak your own is fun and easy with a few swaps based on what you have on hand. For instance, if you’re looking for a lighter option, swap the flank steak with thinly sliced chicken breast. Vegans can use firm tofu or tempeh to keep that hearty texture without the meat.
When it comes to veggies, try switching bell peppers with snap peas or broccoli for a fresh twist. For gluten-free needs, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain that umami flavor. These changes help everyone enjoy the dish, whether you’re cutting calories or adding a spicy kick with chili flakes.
Mastering Pepper Steak: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try some pro techniques to take your pepper steak to the next level. For example, sear the steak in batches to get a nice caramelized crust instead of steaming it. Flavor variations like adding hoisin sauce or rice vinegar can bring in extra tang, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note.
Here are some helpful tips to enhance your recipe:
- Flank steak works best, but you can use sirloin as a substitute.
- Partially freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes to make slicing thinner and easier.
- Any color of bell pepper is fine; red, yellow, and orange ones are sweeter than green.
- Add onions or tomatoes for more flavor if you like.
- For oven cooking, bake in an ovenproof pan for up to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid overcooking.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you want it thicker or more plentiful.
- Marinate the steak in the sauce with garlic and ginger beforehand for deeper flavor.
- Serve over jasmine rice instead of regular steamed rice for a nice change.
How to Store Pepper Steak: Best Practices
Storing your pepper steak properly keeps it fresh and tasty for leftovers. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days so it doesn’t dry out. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready.
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to bring back that great texture without making it tough. For meal prep, divide it into single servings right after it cools to make grabbing a quick lunch easy. This way, you can enjoy pepper steak throughout the week without much hassle.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Steak
What ingredients do I need to make traditional pepper steak?
To make traditional pepper steak, you’ll need thinly sliced flank or sirloin steak, bell peppers (usually green, red, or yellow), onions, garlic, soy sauce, beef broth or water, sugar, cornstarch for thickening, and cooking oil. These ingredients combine to create a savory and slightly sweet stir-fry that pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
How can I cook pepper steak to keep the meat tender?
To keep pepper steak meat tender, slice the beef thinly against the grain and marinate briefly with soy sauce or a bit of cornstarch. Cook the meat quickly over high heat, either stir-frying or searing in a hot pan. Avoid overcooking by adding the steak last and removing it as soon as it turns brown. Resting the cooked meat briefly before serving also helps maintain juiciness.
Can I make a gluten-free pepper steak sauce?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free pepper steak sauce by replacing regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives. Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce and ensure all other ingredients, like beef broth, are gluten-free. This adjustment keeps the flavor authentic without gluten.
What side dishes go well with pepper steak?
Pepper steak pairs well with steamed white or brown rice for soaking up the savory sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables, garlic noodles, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. These sides complement the flavors while making a complete and satisfying meal.
How long does it take to prepare and cook pepper steak?
Preparing and cooking pepper steak typically takes about 20-30 minutes total. Slicing the beef and vegetables can take roughly 10 minutes, while the actual stir-frying and simmering of the sauce take around 10-15 minutes. This quick cooking time makes pepper steak a convenient option for a weeknight dinner.
Pepper Steak
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
🥩 Pepper Steak Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender steak with vibrant bell peppers for a wholesome meal.
🌶️ The easy-to-make sauce brings together soy, garlic, and ginger flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil divided use
– 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded, and cut into strips
– 1 green bell pepper cored, seeded, and cut into strips
– 1 1/4 pounds flank steak thinly sliced
– 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon minced ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions
1-Getting started with pepper steak is all about keeping things simple and straightforward to build a meal that’s full of flavor. First, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat to get that perfect sizzle. Then, add the bell peppers and cook them for 3-4 minutes until they’re just tender, before setting them aside to keep their crunch.
2-Next, add the remaining oil to the pan and season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper for a tasty base. Increase the heat to high and cook the steak for 5-6 minutes until it’s lightly browned, locking in those juices. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their aroma without burning.
3-Now, return the peppers to the pan with the steak to mix everything together. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch to create a quick sauce. Pour this over the steak and peppers, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens nicely. Finally, serve it immediately with steamed rice for a complete, hearty meal that’s ready in no time. Prep time is just 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes, and total time is 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
Notes
🥩 Flank steak is preferred, but sirloin can be substituted.
❄️ Partially freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing for thinner pieces.
🌈 Use any color bell pepper; red, yellow, and orange are sweeter than green.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 277
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 687 mg
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 32 grams
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Pepper steak, Stir fry, Quick dinner, Flavorful meal