Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a classic, flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender thinly sliced beef seared to perfection with vibrant bell peppers and onions. Enhanced with a savory sauce made from soy and oyster sauces, garlic, and ginger, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef slices in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sear the beef for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender yet retain a crisp texture.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the seared beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth or water and stir to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat so the sauce thickens slightly and the beef finishes cooking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve the pepper steak hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, which allows the beef to sear rather than steam.
- You can substitute beef broth with water if unavailable, but broth adds extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to suit your taste preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the vegetables at their crisp-tender best.
Keywords: pepper steak, beef stir-fry, bell peppers, quick dinner, Chinese beef recipe, easy stir-fry, beef with vegetables
