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Pepper Steak Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

Pepper Steak is a flavorful and tender stir-fry dish featuring marinated top round beef strips cooked with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This classic Asian-inspired recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over rice.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 pound top round beef (sliced into strips against the grain)
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (or dry sherry, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Vegetables and Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (cored and sliced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (or orange/yellow, cored and sliced)

Thickening and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine water, honey, soy sauce, mirin (if using), Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well blended.
  2. Marinate the Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the flavors.
  3. Separate Beef and Marinade: Remove the beef from the marinade, reserving the liquid for later use.
  4. Heat the Oil: Place a cast-iron skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
  5. Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender but still retain some crispness. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  6. Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet and cook without stirring for 1 minute to develop a good sear. Then stir and continue cooking until the beef is browned on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes. The meat does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  7. Transfer Beef: Move the cooked beef to the plate with the vegetables.
  8. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk cornstarch into the reserved marinade until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat while whisking continuously. Allow it to boil for 2 minutes until it thickens into a glaze.
  9. Combine all Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium and return the cooked onions, peppers, and beef to the skillet. Stir to evenly coat all ingredients with the thickened sauce.
  10. Simmer and Finish: Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the beef for longer (up to 24 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or wok for best stir-frying results and searing.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • Mirin is optional but adds a nice subtle sweetness and depth; substitute with dry sherry if unavailable.
  • Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a fulfilling dish.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/pepper-steak-recipe/