why make this recipe
Classic Pepper Steak is quick and full of flavor. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. You get tender beef, bright peppers, and a savory sauce. This dish fits weeknight dinners and is easy to change to your taste.
introduction
This recipe makes a home-style pepper steak. It uses sliced beef, bell peppers, onion, and a simple sauce of soy and oyster sauce. You will have a warm, tasty meal in about 20 minutes of active work. Serve it over rice or noodles for a full meal.
how to make Classic Pepper Steak
Ingredients :
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced into strips
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Directions :
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to make a marinade. Add the beef strips and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry until softened.
- Return the beef to the pan, mix everything well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
how to serve Classic Pepper Steak
Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed white rice or your favorite noodles. Garnish with a few slices of green onion or sesame seeds if you like. Plate the rice first, then spoon the beef and peppers on top.
how to store Classic Pepper Steak
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. Do not leave the cooked food out more than two hours.
tips to make Classic Pepper Steak
- Slice the beef thin across the grain for tender bites.
- Pat the beef dry before marinating to help it brown.
- Cut peppers and onion into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Add the cornstarch last to thicken the sauce, and stir well.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add a diced chili or a dash of chili flakes.
- Add vegetables: snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots work well.
- Swap sauce: use hoisin or a bit of honey for a sweeter sauce.
- Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other cuts of beef?
A: Yes. Flank or skirt steak works well. Slice thin for quick cooking.
Q: Do I need oyster sauce?
A: Oyster sauce adds depth, but you can use more soy sauce or a mix of soy and hoisin if you do not have it.
Q: Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
A: You can freeze the cooked dish in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: How do I keep the peppers crisp?
A: Cook them just until tender-crisp. Do not overcook; they should still have some bite.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check oyster sauce labeling or use a gluten-free substitute.
Conclusion
For another clear version of this classic, see Classic Pepper Steak – The Tipsy Housewife.
If you want a step-by-step stir-fry guide, check Pepper Steak Stir Fry – Dinner at the Zoo.
For a short write-up on serving ideas, read Pepper Steak is a tasty asian style dish served on a bed of white rice!.
For a creamy pepper sauce idea to try with steak, visit Steak with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce – RecipeTin Eats.
For one more home-style take, see Classic Pepper Steak – Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish.
Classic Pepper Steak
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced into strips
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken the sauce
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 piece onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to make a marinade. Add the beef strips and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry until softened.
- Return the beef to the pan, mix everything well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed white rice or your favorite noodles, garnished with green onion or sesame seeds if desired.