Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

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

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

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

Step 3: Cook the Beef

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

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

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

Step 5: Combine Everything

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

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

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

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-inspired / American-Chinese