EASY PEPPER STEAK RECIPE

Imagine tender strips of steak, bursting with savory flavors, mingling with crisp-tender bell peppers in a rich, glossy sauce – that’s Pepper Steak, and it’s calling your name! Forget takeout tonight; I’m going to show you how to whip up the most delicious, restaurant-quality Pepper Steak right in your own kitchen, and it’s way easier than you think, I promise!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steak

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the steak is evenly coated. This marinade tenderizes the steak and adds a depth of flavor.
3. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Set the sauce aside. Having it prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet.
3. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them to have a little bite!
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

1. Add the marinated steak to the same skillet. Make sure the skillet is hot!
2. Stir-fry the steak for 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the steak browns properly.
3. Once the steak is cooked, return the vegetables to the skillet.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Pour the prepared sauce over the steak and vegetables.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should only take a minute or two.
3. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Pepper Steak over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious homemade Pepper Steak!

Troubleshooting: Common Pepper Steak Problems and Solutions

Problem: Tough Steak

Solution: The key to tender steak is to slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it properly. Don’t overcook the steak, either! A quick stir-fry is all it needs.

Problem: Watery Sauce

Solution: Make sure you’re using the correct amount of cornstarch in the sauce. Also, don’t add too much liquid. If the sauce is still too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it up.

Problem: Bland Flavor

Solution: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking! Add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat. Oyster sauce is a game-changer for adding umami flavor.

Level Up Your Pepper Steak Game

Spice it Up!

If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce. You can also use a spicier pepper, like a jalapeño, in addition to the bell peppers.

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to your Pepper Steak, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make it a Meal Prep Staple

Pepper Steak is a great make-ahead meal. Simply cook the steak and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat. Cook rice fresh, or store separately for a few days.

Pepper Steak Variations: Beyond the Basics

Garlic Lover’s Pepper Steak

Triple the garlic! Add an extra clove or two to the stir-fry, and maybe even a pinch of garlic powder to the marinade. If you are a garlic fiend, this one is for you!

Sweet and Sour Pepper Steak

Add a splash of rice vinegar and a tablespoon of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tangy twist. Top with pineapple chunks when serving for a more complete, flavorful dish.

Black Bean Pepper Steak

Stir in a tablespoon of black bean sauce to the sauce for a savory and slightly fermented flavor. This adds an umami richness that is simply divine.

Complementary Dishes: Perfect Pairings

Pepper Steak is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Some of my favorites include:

• Steamed or fried rice
• Egg rolls
• Spring rolls
• Salisbury Steak

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love easy and delicious beef recipes, be sure to check out these other favorites:

• Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups: Perfect for parties or a fun weeknight snack!
• Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: A creamy and satisfying twist on a classic.

The Takeaway: You Got This!

So there you have it – a complete guide to making the most amazing Pepper Steak in your own kitchen. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients or steps; with a little practice, you’ll be whipping up this dish like a pro in no time. Now go forth and create some deliciousness, my friend!