Name: Easy Pepper Steak Stir-Fry – A Takeout Favorite at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Beef: 1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, thinly sliced; Bell peppers: 2 (red, green, or yellow), sliced; Onion: 1 small, sliced; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; Ginger: 1 tsp, minced; Soy sauce: 3 tbsp; Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp; Sesame oil: 1 tsp; Cornstarch: 1 tbsp; Sugar: 1 tsp; Beef broth or water: ¼ cup; Black pepper: ½ tsp; Red pepper flakes (optional): ¼ tsp; Cooking oil: 2 tbsp; Green onions: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish); Cooked rice: for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pepper steak stir-fry is a classic takeout dish that is both flavorful and incredibly easy to make at home. This homemade version delivers tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory, umami-rich sauce that coats every bite. It is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights while also being impressive enough to serve for a casual dinner gathering.

By making this dish at home, you can control the ingredients and customize it to your taste. Unlike restaurant versions, you can adjust the seasoning, opt for healthier alternatives, and ensure freshness. Plus, this dish is naturally packed with protein and can be served with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Beef (such as flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye)
Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
Onion
Garlic
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Sugar
Ginger
Beef broth or water
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking oil
Green onions (for garnish)
Cooked rice (for serving)

Directions

Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. Toss the beef with a small amount of soy sauce and cornstarch, letting it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
Chop the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, cut the bell peppers into thin strips, slice the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, sugar, black pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes if using. Stir until well combined.
Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and swirl to coat. Sear the beef in batches, cooking for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it thickens slightly and the beef is fully cooked.
Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle a bit of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor and garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve: Enjoy the pepper steak stir-fry over a bed of hot, steamed rice or alongside noodles.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for firm tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha for extra heat.
Extra Vegetables: Add carrots, snap peas, or baby corn for more color and variety.
Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Microwave reheating is also an option but may slightly alter the texture.

FAQs

How do I make my beef extra tender?

Marinating with cornstarch and soy sauce helps tenderize the beef. You can also add a small amount of baking soda to the marinade for even more tenderness.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Flank steak, sirloin, and ribeye all work well. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

What type of soy sauce should I use?

Regular soy sauce works well, but for a richer depth of flavor, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or dark soy sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead and store them separately. Cook everything together just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Is this dish spicy?

No, unless you add red pepper flakes or chili sauce. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but fresh bell peppers provide a better texture. If using frozen, let them thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

What can I serve with this dish?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles pair well. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried greens.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The cornstarch in the marinade helps thicken the sauce naturally. If you need more thickness, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the pan.

Can I make this dish low-sodium?

Yes! Use low-sodium soy sauce, unsalted beef broth, and reduce the amount of added salt.

Can I cook this in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! Store in individual meal prep containers with rice for easy reheating throughout the week.

Conclusion

Making pepper steak stir-fry at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a takeout favorite with fresh ingredients and personalized flavors. Quick to prepare, bursting with bold flavors, and easily adaptable, this dish is a must-try for any home cook. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Give this recipe a go, and it may just become a new family favorite!

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