Classic Pepper Steak is a dish that brings vibrant colors and delicious flavors to your table. With its tender beef and crisp bell peppers, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels both comforting and elegant. I vividly remember the first time I tried this dish at a friend’s dinner party—the aroma tantalized my senses long before the first bite. The explosion of flavors and textures made it an instant favorite. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe stands out because it’s incredibly quick and budget-friendly, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or casual gatherings. You can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids. The vibrant bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch, while the savory sauce coats the beef perfectly.

"This dish was a hit at our family dinner! Even my picky eater went back for seconds!" – A satisfied home cook.

Preparing Classic Pepper Steak

This delightful dish comes together in just a few straightforward steps. You’ll start by marinating the beef for extra flavor and tenderness. Then, a quick stir-fry melds everything into a delicious medley.

What you’ll need

1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
2 cups bell peppers, thinly sliced (a mix of red, green, yellow)
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

For a flavor boost, consider using fresh ginger or garlic. You can also swap in other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added nutrition.

Directions to follow

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth.
Add the beef strips and toss to coat them evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry until browned, about 3–4 minutes.
Push the beef to the side of the pan. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Mix the beef and vegetables together. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
If you prefer more sauce, add a splash of water and simmer for 30 seconds.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles immediately.

Best ways to enjoy it

Pepper steak can be served in various delightful ways. For a classic presentation, mound it on a bed of fluffy white rice or serve it over noodles. You can also garnish it with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat for the best results, as it helps retain the meal’s flavor and texture. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Helpful cooking tips

For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of garlic or fresh ginger during the stir-frying process. If you’re finding it hard to slice beef thinly, try placing it in the freezer for about 30 minutes first—this firms it up and makes slicing much easier.

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative with this dish! You could try using different proteins, such as chicken or tofu, or even switch up the sauces—teriyaki sauce offers a delicious alternative. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice!

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
- Yes, flank steak or ribeye can also work well in this recipe.
How can I make this meal vegetarian?
- Substitute the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and adjust the sauces accordingly.
Is it possible to prep this dish in advance?
- You can marinate the beef in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

By following this guide, you’ll create a stunning and mouthwatering meal that will surely please anyone who sits at your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this classic dish!

Classic Pepper Steak

This quick and satisfying dish features tender beef and crisp bell peppers, making it a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
2 cups bell peppers, thinly sliced (a mix of red, green, yellow)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce For marinating the beef
1 tablespoon oyster sauce For additional flavor
1 tablespoon cornstarch To thicken the sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil) For cooking
to taste Salt and pepper
as needed Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

Preparation

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth.
Add the beef strips and toss to coat them evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Cooking

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry until browned, about 3–4 minutes.
Push the beef to the side of the pan. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Mix the beef and vegetables together. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
If you prefer more sauce, add a splash of water and simmer for 30 seconds.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using fresh ginger or garlic. You can also swap in other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Can be frozen for up to a month.

Keyword Beef Recipes, Pepper Steak, Quick Dinner, Stir-Fry, weeknight meals