Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

Introduction

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a delicious and savory dish that brings the perfect balance of tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions, all coated in a flavorful sauce. This classic Chinese-inspired dish is perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors combined with the satisfying texture of stir-fried vegetables and juicy steak. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or planning a dinner party, this recipe will be sure to impress.

The beef in this dish is sliced thinly against the grain, ensuring it’s tender and easy to eat. The bell peppers and onions add a nice crunch and natural sweetness, which perfectly complements the savory soy-based sauce. This simple, yet flavorful recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Why You’ll Love Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

• Tender, Flavorful Beef: The beef is sliced thinly and cooked to perfection, absorbing all the savory goodness from the sauce. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Crisp Vegetables: The bell peppers and onions add both color and crunch to the dish, creating a vibrant, satisfying contrast to the tender beef.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick, delicious dinner without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable: While the classic combination of bell peppers and onions is delicious, you can add other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion offers the comforting taste of stir-fried beef while delivering a fresh and vibrant twist with the addition of colorful peppers and onions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Pepper Steak:

• 1 pound flank steak, sirloin, or rib-eye, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, for seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Begin by slicing the flank steak (or your choice of beef) against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. This step is crucial as slicing against the grain ensures the beef remains tender and easy to chew. Once sliced, set the beef aside. If you’d like, you can marinate the beef for 10-15 minutes in a small amount of soy sauce or cornstarch for added flavor and tenderness, though this step is optional.

2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. This mixture combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, forming the base of your sauce. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce once it’s added to the stir-fry.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add 1 tablespoon of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce mixture, adjusting the heat level to your preference.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain a slight crunch. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic and ginger to become fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

4. Cook the Beef

In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it is browned and slightly crispy on the edges. You may need to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the beef gets a good sear and doesn’t steam.

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

5. Combine the Beef and Vegetables

Return the cooked beef and vegetables to the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. As the sauce simmers, it will begin to thicken, coating the beef and vegetables with its savory flavor.

6. Thicken the Sauce

Once the sauce has simmered for 1-2 minutes, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of water or broth to loosen it up.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired) before serving. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or even over a bed of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak is an ideal cut for stir-fry because it’s flavorful and becomes tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Sirloin or rib-eye can also be used if you prefer a different cut.
• Slice the Beef Thinly: To ensure that the beef remains tender and easy to chew, make sure you slice it thinly against the grain. This method ensures the beef cooks quickly and evenly while maintaining its tenderness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying the beef, cook it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy texture.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sauce to your taste. If you like your dish a bit sweeter, add more brown sugar. For extra depth, you can increase the hoisin sauce or add a dash of sesame oil.
• Add More Vegetables: If you love vegetables, feel free to add extra bell peppers, onions, or other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to the stir-fry. These vegetables will absorb the sauce and add even more flavor and color to the dish.

Variations of Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

• Spicy Pepper Steak: For a spicier version, add more chili paste or sriracha to the sauce. You can also add fresh chili peppers during stir-frying for an extra kick.
• Beef and Broccoli: Combine this recipe with classic beef and broccoli by adding blanched broccoli florets to the stir-fry. The broccoli will soak up the savory sauce, making it a hearty and flavorful addition.
• Pepper Chicken: Swap the beef for chicken breast or thigh meat for a lighter version of the dish. Chicken will absorb the flavors of the sauce and cook quickly in the stir-fry.
• Pepper Steak with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry for a more earthy flavor that complements the savory beef and sauce. Mushrooms also absorb the sauce, making them a great addition.
• Vegetarian Pepper Steak: For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh in place of the beef. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then slice and stir-fry it with the bell peppers and onions.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Place the cooked beef and vegetables in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

Pair this flavorful dish with some complementary sides to make a complete meal:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing with pepper steak, steamed rice will absorb the savory sauce, making it a perfect base for the beef and vegetables.
• Stir-Fried Noodles: Serve the pepper steak over stir-fried noodles for a satisfying combination of beef and carbs. You can use lo mein, rice noodles, or any variety of your choice.
• Garlic Butter Broccoli: A side of garlic butter broccoli is a great way to add extra vegetables to the meal while keeping the flavors balanced.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: For an appetizer or side, serve crispy egg rolls or fresh spring rolls. The crunchiness of the rolls complements the tender beef in the stir-fry.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with sesame oil, vinegar, and a dash of chili flakes makes a perfect contrast to the richness of the pepper steak.

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Conclusion

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or hosting guests, this dish offers a quick, delicious way to enjoy a classic Chinese-inspired favorite. Its versatility allows for plenty of customizations, making it a meal that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors that Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion has to offer!