Pepper Steak Recipe

Introduction

Pepper Steak is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender strips of beef sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and special.

Ingredients

• 1 pound top round beef (sliced into strips against the grain)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 green bell pepper (cored and sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (or orange/yellow, cored and sliced)
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (or dry sherry, optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together water, honey, soy sauce, mirin (if using), Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes to make the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced beef strips to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Remove the beef from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
4. Step 4: Heat a cast-iron skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the canola oil.
5. Step 5: When the oil is hot, stir-fry the sliced onion and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
6. Step 6: Add the beef to the skillet and cook without stirring for 1 minute to develop a good sear. Then stir and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through.
7. Step 7: Transfer the beef to the plate with the vegetables.
8. Step 8: Whisk the cornstarch into the reserved marinade, then pour this mixture into the skillet. Whisk over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, letting it thicken and boil for 2 minutes.
9. Step 9: Reduce heat to medium and add the beef and vegetables back into the skillet.
10. Step 10: Stir to combine all ingredients and simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
11. Step 11: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice.

Tips & Variations

• Slice the beef against the grain to ensure it stays tender and easy to chew.
• Use honey or brown sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce.
• If mirin or dry sherry isn’t available, you can omit it without significantly changing the dish.

Storage

Store leftover Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or sirloin work well as alternatives, but be sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can substitute tofu or seitan for the beef and use vegetable broth in place of water for the marinade to create a flavorful vegetarian option.