What is pepper steak and how is it different from other beef dishes?

Pepper steak is a popular dish made by stir-frying thinly sliced beef with bell peppers and a savory sauce. Unlike grilled or roasted steak, the beef is cut thin and cooked quickly to retain tenderness. The addition of bell peppers adds sweetness and crunch, making the dish flavorful and balanced. It is often served with rice and is known for its quick preparation compared to other beef recipes.

Which cuts of beef work best for making pepper steak?

Flank steak, sirloin, and round steak are ideal cuts for pepper steak because they are lean and tender when sliced thinly against the grain. These cuts cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. Choosing these steaks helps prevent toughness and ensures a tender, flavorful dish.

How can I make the steak slices thinner for pepper steak recipes?

To slice steak thinner, place the meat in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes until firm but not frozen solid. This makes it easier to cut thin, even slices. Using a sharp knife, slice against the grain to improve tenderness and texture in the finished dish.

What ingredients are typically used in the sauce for pepper steak?

A common sauce for pepper steak includes soy sauce, sugar, water or broth, and cornstarch for thickening. Some recipes add garlic, ginger, or oyster sauce for extra flavor. The sauce should be poured over the cooked beef and vegetables, then simmered until it thickens, coating all ingredients evenly.

Can I cook pepper steak without a stovetop, such as in the oven?

Yes, pepper steak can be cooked in the oven using an oven-proof skillet or baking dish. However, it may not develop the same seared crust as pan-frying. Bake at around 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overcook the beef to avoid dryness and loss of tenderness.

Pepper Steak Recipe With Tender Beef And Bold Peppers

Name: Pepper Steak
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: – 1 1/4 pounds thinly sliced flank steak; – 1 red bell pepper cut into strips; – 1 green bell pepper cut into strips; – 2 teaspoons minced garlic; – 1 teaspoon minced ginger; – 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; – 1/4 cup soy sauce; – 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; – 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; – 1/4 cup water; – salt and pepper for seasoning the steak

Ingredients

– 1 1/4 pounds thinly sliced flank steak

– 1 red bell pepper cut into strips

– 1 green bell pepper cut into strips

– 2 teaspoons minced garlic

– 1 teaspoon minced ginger

– 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

– 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

– 1/4 cup water

– salt and pepper for seasoning the steak

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Instructions

1-Start by preparing your ingredients: Slice the 1 1/4 pounds of flank steak into thin strips and cut the 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper into strips. Mince the 2 teaspoons of garlic and 1 teaspoon of ginger to have everything ready for fast action.

2-Season the steak with salt and pepper, then heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the bell pepper strips until they become tender, which takes just a few minutes.

3-Next, sear the seasoned steak in the remaining oil until it’s browned but not fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. This step locks in the flavors from the garlic and ginger you’ll add soon.

4-Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring them in with the steak for a burst of aroma. Return the sautéed bell peppers to the pan at this point.

5-Pour in the savory sauce made from 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer everything together until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes, creating a glossy coating on the ingredients.

6-Finally, check the seasoning and serve your pepper steak hot over steamed rice for a complete meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes total.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔥 Use thinly sliced flank steak for quick and even cooking.
🧄 Mince garlic and ginger fresh for the best flavor.
🥢 Simmer the sauce until thickened to ensure it fully coats the ingredients.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 277
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 32g