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35-Minute Pepper Steak Recipe for Irresistibly Tender Beef Bliss

pepper steak recipe

A quick and flavorful pepper steak stir fry with vegetable fried rice that’s better than takeout. Tender beef strips with crisp bell peppers in a savory sauce served over fried rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced into petals or thick strips
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (mix red/yellow/green if you have them)
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp minced fresh ginger (optional but great)
  • 1/3 cup beef broth
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • 3 cups cooked long-grain rice (cold, day-old works best)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas + carrots)
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 12 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss sliced steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let sit 10 minutes while you prep the veggies.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove to a plate.
  4. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic (and ginger) for 30 seconds.
  5. Return beef to the pan, pour in sauce, and toss for 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  6. In a second skillet (or wipe out the pan), heat butter/oil over medium-high heat. Add mixed veggies and cook 2–3 minutes. Add rice and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until hot. Stir in soy sauce and green onions. Season with salt & pepper.
  7. Plate veggie fried rice and spoon pepper steak stir fry (with extra sauce) alongside.

Notes

  • Use cold, day-old rice for best fried rice texture.
  • Slice beef against the grain for tenderness.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding more broth if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepper steak recipe, beef stir fry with peppers and onions, chinese pepper steak, easy beef stir fry, vegetable fried rice, better than takeout dinner