If you have been craving a mouthwatering dish that bursts with flavor and comes together in no time, you are going to love this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy flank steak paired with colorful bell peppers and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something simple yet impressive, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of fresh and pantry staples that come together effortlessly to create a dish full of vibrant flavor, appealing textures, and that signature peppery punch. Each ingredient plays an important role, from adding color to enhancing the depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Used for searing the steak and sautéing peppers, ensuring everything cooks perfectly without sticking.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a bright pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the dark steak.
- 1 medium green bell pepper (thinly sliced): Offers a slightly bitter, fresh crunch that balances the dish.
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak (thinly sliced): The star of the dish, this cut cooks quickly and stays tender when sliced thin against the grain.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings a bold aromatic depth that infuses every bite with savory goodness.
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger: Adds a gentle warmth and slight zing that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides salty umami richness to the sauce, tying all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water): Creates the perfect base for the sauce to develop and thicken smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the savory soy with just the right touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, clingy texture that coats the steak and peppers beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste): Adds that signature peppery kick that defines this classic dish.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
The secret to a great pepper steak is in the sauce. Start by combining your soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk the mixture well so the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Setting this aside allows you to focus on perfectly cooking your steak and peppers in the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften just slightly but still keep their vibrant color and slight crunch. Once done, remove the peppers from the pan to a plate—they’ll rejoin the party soon!
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Toss in the thinly sliced flank steak and cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to brown nicely on the outside while staying pink and tender inside. This quick sear helps lock in the juices and flavor that make flank steak so delightful.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Now is the time to stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook everything for about 30 seconds until the aromas fill your kitchen and your anticipation grows. These aromatics elevate the dish from simply good to absolutely crave-worthy with their fragrant, warming boost.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the sautéed bell peppers to the pan with the steak and aromatics. Give your sauce a last stir and pour it over everything. Keep the heat on medium-high as the sauce simmers and thickens, transforming into a luscious glaze that coats every tender slice and juicy pepper strip. Once thickened, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, personal touch to your Easy Pepper Steak Recipe, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the finished dish. A dash of toasted sesame seeds can add a satisfying nutty crunch, while a light drizzle of chili oil will bring warmth if you like a bit of heat. These simple garnishes can brighten up the presentation and add layers of flavor that surprise the palate.
Side Dishes
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice will soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian-style slaw. Steamed broccoli or snap peas also complement the tender steak and peppers nicely, adding freshness and a pop of green to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress or simply change things up, serve this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe in lettuce cups for a fun handheld meal, perfect for casual gatherings or light lunches. Another fun idea is to toss the finished steak and peppers into warm tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese for a fusion-style wrap. No matter how you present it, the vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make it look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Pepper Steak keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after resting, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first. Just make sure to cool it down before sealing the container to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish on hand longer, it freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing. This makes for an unbeatable quick dinner option when time is tight.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if needed, cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef besides flank steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin sliced thinly against the grain. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the meat stays tender without overcooking.
Is this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild peppery kick from the black pepper, but it is not spicy hot. You can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
To keep the steak tender, slice it thinly against the grain. This breaks down muscle fibers and makes each bite melt in your mouth instead of feeling tough or chewy.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, onions, snap peas, or even baby corn for extra texture and flavors. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep everything crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and quick preparation time, it’s perfect whether you are cooking for two or just craving an easy yet satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. Once you taste it, you’ll be coming back for more!
Print
Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Pepper Steak recipe features thinly sliced flank steak sautéed with vibrant red and green bell peppers in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Meat
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, chicken broth (or water), brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened but still crisp. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Brown the steak: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Place the thinly sliced flank steak in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the outside is browned but the inside remains slightly pink for tenderness.
- Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Combine and thicken: Return the sautéed peppers to the pan. Stir the prepared sauce mixture again to reincorporate the cornstarch, then pour the sauce over the steak and peppers. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if preferred.
- Ensure the steak is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with water or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat quickly in a skillet.
