What is pepper steak stir fry and how is it different from other steak dishes?

Pepper steak stir fry is a quick-cooking dish made with thinly sliced steak and bell peppers, sautéed together in a savory sauce. Unlike grilled or pan-seared steak dishes, this stir fry uses strips of beef cooked rapidly with vegetables, making it tender and flavorful. It is often served over rice or noodles and has a sauce that typically includes soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes ginger, offering a balanced mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

What types of steak are best for making pepper steak?

Flank steak, sirloin, and round steak are commonly used for pepper steak because they are lean cuts that slice well into thin strips. Flank steak is especially popular due to its flavor and tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain. Avoid very fatty cuts as they can become tough and greasy when cooked quickly in a stir fry.

Can I use different types of peppers in pepper steak, and how do they affect the taste?

Yes, you can use a variety of bell peppers such as red, green, yellow, or orange. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers tend to be sweeter, which adds a pleasant contrast to the savory beef. Green bell peppers have a more bitter, grassy flavor, which some people prefer for a sharper taste. Mixing colors adds visual appeal and flavor complexity.

How do I make the sauce for pepper steak stir fry?

A simple and effective sauce includes soy sauce, beef broth or water, garlic, cornstarch for thickness, and a touch of brown sugar or hoisin sauce for sweetness. Combine these ingredients and add them to the cooked steak and peppers. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly. This creates a glossy, flavorful coating typical of pepper steak dishes.

What are some tips to prevent the steak from becoming tough when cooking pepper steak?

To keep steak tender, slice it thinly across the grain, which shortens muscle fibers. Marinating the beef for 15-30 minutes with soy sauce, a bit of cornstarch, and cooking wine can also help tenderize it. Cook the steak quickly over high heat to avoid drying out, and add it at the end to the nearly finished peppers and sauce, allowing the beef to sear without overcooking.

Pepper Steak Stir Fry With Fresh Veggies And Savory Sauce

Name: Pepper Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for divided use; – 1 red bell pepper; – 1 green bell pepper; – 1 1/4 pounds (about 567 grams) flank steak; – 2 teaspoons minced garlic; – 1 teaspoon minced ginger; – Salt and pepper to taste; – 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce; – 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; – 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; – 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Description

🥩 Tender flank steak and crisp bell peppers create a perfectly balanced texture in this quick weeknight meal
🍜 Savory soy-based sauce brings authentic Asian flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for divided use

– 1 red bell pepper

– 1 green bell pepper

– 1 1/4 pounds (about 567 grams) flank steak

– 2 teaspoons minced garlic

– 1 teaspoon minced ginger

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce

– 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

– 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

– 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions

1-Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender, then remove and set them aside.

2-Add the remaining oil to the pan, season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, and cook over high heat for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned.

3-Stir in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, cooking for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

4-Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak and mix well.

5-In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, and 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch. Pour this sauce over the steak and peppers, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6-Serve immediately, perhaps with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

🥩 Partially freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing to make thin slicing easier
🫑 Use sweeter bell pepper varieties like red, yellow, or orange for a sweeter flavor, or use green for a more bitter taste
🥘 The sauce thickness can be adjusted by adding more water if necessary – start with less and add gradually

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 5 oz steak)
Calories: 277
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 687
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 4
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 11
Fiber: 1
Protein: 32
Cholesterol: 85

Keywords: pepper steak, stir fry, beef stir fry, asian vegetables