Name: Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1/4 cup beef broth or water; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re after a dish that’s vibrant, quick, and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion. This stir-fry classic features tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions, all bathed in a savory sauce that’s every bit as satisfying as your favorite takeout, but made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or sharing it with guests, Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion guarantees both eye-catching color and irresistible taste on your plate.

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion recipe is how each carefully chosen ingredient plays its own unique role. Every item is easy to find, but together, they create mouthwatering layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave over and over again.

Beef steak (such as sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain: The cut you choose determines the tenderness and richness of your pepper steak, so pick your favorite and always slice thinly for the juiciest bite!
Soy sauce: A must for umami depth, soy sauce seasons the beef and forms the backbone of the savory sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complex umami, making the dish taste authentically rich.
Cornstarch: Helps lock in the beef’s juices and thickens the final sauce to that delicious, glossy finish.
Vegetable oil: Essential for high-heat searing, giving both the beef and veggies a beautiful char.
Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and subtle sweetness to each forkful.
Green bell pepper: Offers a slight bitterness and crunch, balancing the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Onion: When sautéed, onions turn sweet and tender, providing the right mellow bite.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the stir-fry with a warm, aromatic kick you can’t skip.
Ginger: A little grated ginger adds fresh zing, brightening every mouthful.
Beef broth or water: Picks up all the caramelized bits in the pan and gives you that luscious sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple, but so important for balancing all the bold flavors as you finish the dish.

How to Make Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Add your thinly sliced beef and toss it well, ensuring every strip gets coated. This short marination gives your steak a head start in absorbing all those savory flavors, resulting in a velvety, tender bite. Let the beef sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep the veggies, and feel free to marinate a bit longer if you’re not in a rush.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Working in batches if your pan isn’t huge, add the beef in a single layer. Sear each side for just 1–2 minutes. What you’re after is a deep, caramelized color on the outside while keeping the beef tender inside. Once browned, set the beef aside. Don’t clean out the pan—those savory bits stuck to the bottom mean more flavor!

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil into the same hot skillet. Toss in the red and green bell peppers and sliced onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, just until they begin to soften but are still vibrant and a bit crisp. Those quick-cooked veggies will add beautiful color and a satisfying crunch to your pepper steak with bell peppers and onion.

Step 4: Aromatics In

Once the peppers and onion are just the way you like them, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute. The fragrance at this point will make your mouth water! This step ensures you get those lively, fresh notes without burning these sensitive aromatics.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the seared beef to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the beef broth or water, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir everything to coat in the glossy sauce, and cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens ever so slightly. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Serve your delicious Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion piping hot!

How to Serve Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, top your Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds. Not only do these add color and a bit of crunch, but the freshness of green onion balances out the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice is a true classic here, effortlessly soaking up the savory sauce. If you’re avoiding grains, try fluffy cauliflower rice, or serve it over warm noodles for a heartier meal. Lightly sautéed or steamed greens, like bok choy or snap peas, are fantastic for extra color and crunch alongside your Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your stir-fry over a bed of crispy lettuce leaves for a fun and lighter spin or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps at a gathering. You could even spoon leftovers onto a toasted hoagie roll to create a Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion sandwich—a wildly flavorful, handheld treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion, allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even deeper overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled stir-fry into freezer-safe bags or containers, trying to minimize air inside. It’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture (note: veggies may lose a bit of their original crispness after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious).

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. You can also use the microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion?

Flank, sirloin, and ribeye all work beautifully here. The key is to slice against the grain and keep the strips thin, which gives you the most tender results in every bite.

Can I use different colors of bell peppers?

Absolutely! Mixing red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers not only makes the dish more colorful but also adds gentle variations in sweetness and flavor.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce for a similar sweetness or a bit of extra soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar for a vegan-friendly alternative.

How do I avoid overcooking the beef?

High heat and quick cooking are crucial. Sear the beef just until browned, and avoid leaving it on the heat longer than needed. Returning it to the pan for the final simmer ensures your steak is perfectly tender every time.

Can I make Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. With those small substitutions, this recipe easily adapts!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion enough! It’s fast, colorful, seriously satisfying, and feels like a restaurant favorite made right at home. You’re just a few steps away from a dish that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation—grab your skillet and enjoy every bite!

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Pepper Steak recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and savory onions in a delicious soy and oyster sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal!

Instructions

Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add beef slices and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear beef slices until browned, then set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and onion until tender. Add garlic and ginger, then return beef to the skillet.
Finish the Dish: Add broth or water, cook to combine flavors, and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian