Pepper Steak Recipe: How to Cook It Perfectly Every Time

Pepper Steak Recipe Nothing beats the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling steak coated in a rich, peppery glaze! This pepper steak recipe is a game-changer—perfectly tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savoury, slightly spicy sauce that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, impressing guests, or treating the family to a flavour-packed dinner, this recipe always delivers.

Pepper steak is one of those comforting dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to whip up. If you loved our stir-fry chicken recipe, this one will quickly become your new favourite. Get ready to make a restaurant-worthy dish right at home—without the hefty price tag.

What Is Pepper Steak?

Ever wondered why this dish is called “pepper steak”? It’s not just because of the bell peppers! The recipe gets its name from the generous use of black pepper in the sauce, giving it that signature spicy kick.

Legend has it that this dish originated in the Cantonese style of cooking, combining bold flavours with fresh, crisp vegetables. Fun fact? It’s often said, “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach,” and this recipe is proof of that! What better way to win someone over than with a dinner this delicious? Trust me—you’ll want to make this again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe

Here’s why this pepper steak recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• Effortlessly Delicious: The bold, savoury sauce combined with tender beef and colourful veggies hits all the right notes.
• Cost-Effective: Skip the pricey restaurant meal and make it at home for a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing flavour or quality.
• Customisable Goodness: Love extra heat? Add more pepper or chilli flakes. Not a fan of bell peppers? Swap them with mushrooms or broccoli!

If you’re a fan of quick stir-fry recipes with big flavour, this one’s for you. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

How to Make Pepper Steak

Quick Overview

Pepper steak is the easiest way to bring gourmet magic to your weeknight dinners. With just 30 minutes and a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight from your favourite Chinese restaurant.

Ingredients for Pepper Steak

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Beef: 450g flank steak, thinly sliced
• Bell Peppers: 1 green and 1 red, julienned
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1 medium, sliced
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tbsp (optional, for extra savouriness)
• Cornstarch: 2 tbsp (for thickening the sauce)
• Beef Broth: 1/2 cup
• Black Pepper: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
• Vegetable Oil: For cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the beef into strips, julienne the bell peppers, and slice the onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside for easy access.
2. Marinate the Beef: Toss the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, a teaspoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of pepper. Allow it to marinate for 15 minutes while you prep everything else.
3. Sear the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add more oil to the skillet, then toss in the garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Make the Sauce: Mix the beef broth, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Combine Everything: Add the beef back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until everything is well-coated and heated through. Adjust black pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy!

Plate your pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds for extra flair.

What to Serve Pepper Steak With

While pepper steak is fantastic on its own, pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect companion to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Garlic Noodles: Adds a garlicky twist to balance the flavours.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Compliment the steak with a medley of greens like bok choy or snap peas.

For drinks, consider a chilled jasmine tea or a glass of light, crisp white wine.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pepper Steak

Want to make your pepper steak truly unforgettable? Here are some pro tips:

• Slice Beef Thinly: Ensure the steak is tender by slicing it thinly against the grain.
• Use Freshly Ground Pepper: The fresher the black pepper, the more flavourful the dish will be.
• Work with High Heat: Stir-frying requires a hot pan to cook ingredients quickly while preserving their texture.
• Experiment with Veggies: Switch it up by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even asparagus.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), here’s how to store and reheat your pepper steak for maximum taste.

• Storage: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beef tough.

FAQs about Pepper Steak

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Swap out the flank steak for chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No problem! You can skip it or replace it with hoisin sauce for a slightly sweet touch.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Of course—add a dash of chilli oil or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

Cooking a flawless pepper steak at home is easier than you think. With its bold flavours and quick prep time, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again.

Why not give it a try this week? Delight your loved ones with this hearty, flavour-packed dish—they’ll be asking for seconds before they finish their first bite.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results in the comments!

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