If you’ve been searching for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, tender beef, and a perfect balance of savory and sweet, look no further. This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe is simply irresistible—juicy slices of flank steak marinated in a rich blend of soy and oyster sauce, cooked alongside crisp bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger. It’s a lightning-fast meal that feels special and delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe never fails to bring smiles and satisfied appetites to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish’s depth, texture, and beautiful color contrast, making every forkful delightful.
- 1.5 lbs flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender results.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich base to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the salty flavors with just a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to quickly sear the steak and veggies.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds mild sweetness and texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers vibrant color and a gentle crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a pungent aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced: Lends a zesty warmth that brightens every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together perfectly.
How to Make Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Steak
Start by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. This combination creates a marinade that’s bursting with flavor and helps tenderize the steak. Toss in the thinly sliced flank steak and toss until each piece is coated. Let it soak up all these flavors for at least 15 to 20 minutes—this is the secret that makes the steak so irresistibly tender and tasty.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add the marinated steak slices and cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want to get a beautiful brown crust on the outside while keeping them juicy inside. Once cooked through, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a moment.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet, throw in the sliced onion and both red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables just start to soften but still retain their vibrant color and crunch. This gives the dish that wonderful balance between tender steak and fresh, lively veggies.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger for Aromatic Depth
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet. Cook for about one minute, stirring frequently, so these aromatics can release their flavor without burning. The garlic and ginger add a fragrant lift that transforms the dish from good to outstanding.
Step 5: Combine Steak with Vegetables and Thicken Sauce
Return the cooked steak to the skillet and mix everything together. Let it all cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to both the beef and the peppers. This step ensures every bite is perfectly saucy and full of rich, balanced flavor.
Step 6: Serve While Hot
Dish out your sizzling pepper steak straight from the pan onto plates piled with steamed rice. Optional garnishes like chopped green onions can make the presentation pop and add a fresh note. This meal shines best when eaten right away!
How to Serve Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or freshly cracked black pepper adds freshness and a little extra bite that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pepper steak. If you like a subtle heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also be fantastic.
Side Dishes
Serve this pepper steak alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Crispy egg rolls, garlic noodles, or a simple cucumber salad work beautifully to round out the meal without overshadowing the main dish’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pepper steak in lettuce cups or wrapped in warm tortillas for a pepper steak taco experience. You could also plate it over a bed of stir-fried noodles or quinoa to add texture and variety while keeping things deliciously exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover pepper steak to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, pepper steak freezes well. Pack it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen pepper steak lasts up to 2 months without losing its delicious taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your pepper steak gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the tenderness of the steak and crispness of the vegetables. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it tasting fresh and just like the first time it came off the stove.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak are also great choices. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe without any gluten worries.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or even broccoli florets if you want to customize the dish and add even more color, texture, and nutrients.
How long should I marinate the steak?
While 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient for good flavor, allowing the steak to marinate for up to an hour can intensify the taste and tenderness even more.
What should I serve with the pepper steak for a complete meal?
Rice is the classic choice, but you can also serve this with noodles, steamed vegetables, or even a side of fresh Asian-style slaw to complement the bold flavors and balance the richness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can say with full confidence that this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe will become a firm favorite in your meal rotation. It’s quick, full of vibrant flavors, and brings a real sense of satisfaction every time you make it. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite—you’ll be sharing this gem with your friends and family again and again!
Print
Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe features thinly sliced flank steak marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and spices, then quickly stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions. Perfectly tender and full of flavor, it’s a quick and satisfying dish ideal for weeknight dinners served over rice.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Steak
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to form the marinade. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and mix thoroughly to coat. Let the steak marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated steak slices and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become tender but still retain some crispness.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the vegetables, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir everything together. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and fully coat the steak and vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For more tender steak, marinate the meat for up to 1 hour if time permits.
- Feel free to substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if preferred.
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to balance the sweetness according to your taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you want extra heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
