Pepper steak is a classic Chinese-American dish known for its tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory sauce packed with rich umami flavor.
It’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-quality yet comes together easily in a home kitchen.
With a sizzling stir-fry base, a glossy pepper-soy sauce, and perfectly cooked vegetables, pepper steak makes an ideal weeknight dinner.
Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and colorful meal that tastes even better than takeout.
Pepper Steak Recipe
This pepper steak recipe features thinly sliced flank steak stir-fried with red and green bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar.
The beef is seared until caramelized, the vegetables are cooked until crisp-tender, and everything is coated in a silky sauce that brings the dish together.
Fast, fresh, and full of flavor—this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their homemade stir-fry game.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water for a slurry)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon black pepper for extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
Place the thinly sliced steak in a bowl and add soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil. Toss the beef thoroughly until coated.
This quick marinade helps tenderize the meat, adds flavor, and gives it that classic velvety texture you often taste in restaurant stir-fries.
Let it rest for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and black pepper if using.
This creates the base of the pepper steak sauce—salty, sweet, tangy, and aromatic. Set the sauce aside so it’s ready to pour in during the stir-fry.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
Allow it to sear without stirring for 30–60 seconds to build color, then stir-fry until the beef is mostly cooked through.
Remove the beef from the pan and set aside. This step ensures the meat stays tender and doesn’t overcook.
4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables become crisp-tender—the perfect balance of softened edges and fresh texture.
The peppers add sweetness and crunch, complementing the beef beautifully.
5. Combine Everything and Add the Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir, then pour it into the wok. Allow the mixture to heat and bubble.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating over the beef and vegetables.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—more soy sauce for salt, more sugar for sweetness, or more pepper for heat.
6. Serve Hot
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is evenly coated, remove the pepper steak from heat. Serve immediately over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Conclusion
Pepper steak is a bold, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. With tender beef, colorful peppers, and a rich, savory sauce, it delivers everything you want from a comforting stir-fry.
This recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
Pair it with warm rice and you have a complete meal that rivals your favorite takeout.