Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

If you’re craving a hearty, savory stir-fry with tender beef and vibrant veggies, this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Thinly sliced steak is quickly seared and tossed in a glossy, garlic-ginger soy sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami—served hot over rice for a satisfying meal that’s better than takeout!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed – Savory sauce, crisp veggies, and tender beef in every bite.
Healthy & Satisfying – Loaded with protein and colorful bell peppers.
Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps.
Better Than Takeout – Homemade, fresh, and made just the way you like it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water or beef broth
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions

For Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Lime wedges or chili sauce (optional for extra kick)

Tools You’ll Need
Wok or large skillet
Mixing bowls
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Grater or zester

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
2. Toss well and let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water or broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Set aside—the sauce will thicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
2. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
3. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.
4. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed.
2. Stir-fry the bell peppers and onions for 3–4 minutes, until just tender-crisp.
3. Don’t overcook—you want them vibrant and slightly crunchy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together.
3. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and veggies evenly.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
2. Add a squeeze of lime or a dash of chili sauce for extra flavor if you like.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak
Slice Thinly – Cutting the beef thin and against the grain keeps it tender.
High Heat – Stir-fry quickly over high heat for that classic seared flavor.
Prep Everything First – Stir-frying moves fast, so have all ingredients ready to go.
Don’t Crowd the Pan – Cook in batches to ensure a good sear on the meat.
Adjust Veggies – Use orange or yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for variety.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine Rice – The perfect base for soaking up all that sauce.
Cauliflower Rice – A lighter, low-carb alternative.
Stir-Fried Noodles – Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for a different twist.
Cucumber Salad – Cool and refreshing alongside the warm stir-fry.
Egg Rolls or Dumplings – Complete your homemade takeout spread.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled stir-fry in freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid overcooking the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What cut of beef is best?
   Flank steak or sirloin are ideal—they’re flavorful and tender when sliced thin.
2. Can I make it spicier?
   Yes! Add sliced chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry.
3. Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
   You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar as an alternative.
4. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
   Yes, just thaw and pat dry before using to avoid excess moisture in the stir-fry.
5. Can I meal prep this?
   Absolutely! It reheats well and makes a great lunch or dinner for the week.

Final Thoughts
Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a weeknight wonder—quick to cook, big on flavor, and endlessly satisfying. With tender beef, crisp veggies, and a glossy savory sauce, this stir-fry is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your stir-fry turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-inspired / American-Chinese

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 680mg

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