Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
Growing up, Friday night was always “takeout night” in our house. My parents worked long hours, so by the end of the week, no one wanted to cook. Pepper Steak Recipe was the regular life-saver for my dad. We’d order from our favorite local Chinese restaurant, and without fail, my dad would always order pepper steak. He said it was the perfect dish—savory, a little sweet, tender beef, and just enough spice from the bell peppers.
I never really understood his obsession until I had a bite one night. That rich, velvety sauce coating thin strips of beef, the crunch of fresh bell peppers, and the aroma of garlic and soy was unforgettable. From that moment on, I started making it at home, tweaking and testing until I developed the perfect homemade pepper steak recipe.
Today, I’m sharing the version that finally got my dad to say, “This is better than takeout.” So whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress with your stir-fry skills, this pepper steak recipe is a must-try.
Do you want more recipes?
Honey Garlic Meatball Rice Bake Recipe
Spicy Korean Carrots Recipe – A Flavorful Crunchy Side Dish
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak Recipe (2025)
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for the ultimate Pepper Steak Recipe:
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or top round, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Optional: Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Tip: Freezing the steak for 20 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut thin strips.
How to Make Pepper Steak Recipe: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar.
- Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes while you prep your veggies and sauce.
Marinating with cornstarch helps tenderize the meat and gives it that velvety texture found in restaurant stir-fries.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce (if using)
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Beef broth
- Sesame oil
- Black pepper
Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Sear the beef in a single layer (in batches if necessary) for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked.
- Transfer beef to a plate.
High heat = tender beef and no stewing. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Stir-fry the onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes, just until they start to soften but still have some crunch.
- Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Return the beef to the pan.
- Pour the sauce over everything.
- Stir well and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
How to Serve Pepper Steak Recipe
Pepper Steak Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with all your favorite sides. Here are a few ideas:
1. Rice:
- Classic steamed white rice
- Brown rice for a healthier option
- Fried rice for an extra punch of flavor
2. Noodles:
- Lo mein
- Ramen
- Rice noodles
3. Low-Carb Options:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Lettuce wraps
4. Extras:
- Serve with spring rolls or potstickers for a takeout-style dinner
- Pair with Asian cucumber salad or miso soup
Tips
Slice beef thin and against the grain – This makes the meat tender and chewable.
Use high heat – Stir-frying over high heat locks in juices and creates flavor.
Don’t overcook the beef – Sear quickly, then finish in the sauce to avoid toughness.
Prep everything before you start – Stir-fry cooking goes fast, so have your ingredients chopped and ready.
Thicken your sauce properly – Always add cornstarch to cold liquid before adding to the pan to avoid lumps.
Variations
Pepper Steak Recipe is super adaptable depending on what you have in your fridge.
1. Veggie Add-Ins:
- Snow peas
- Broccoli florets
- Mushrooms
- Baby corn
- Carrots (thinly sliced)
2. Spicy Pepper Steak
Add:
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1–2 sliced Thai chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3. Different Proteins
- Chicken: Thinly sliced breast or thigh
- Shrimp: Marinate and cook quickly until pink
- Tofu: Press and cube, then sear until golden
4. Garlic Lover’s Pepper Steak
Double the garlic and add minced garlic to the sauce for extra punch.
FAQs
Q1: What kind of steak is best for pepper steak?
Flank steak, sirloin, or top round are best. They’re affordable, flavorful, and easy to slice thin.
Q2: Can I make pepper steak recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef.
Q3: Can I freeze pepper steak?
Absolutely. Let it cool and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Q4: How do I keep the veggies crisp?
Don’t overcook them. Stir-fry quickly on high heat so they stay vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your oyster and hoisin sauces are also gluten-free.
Q6: What’s the difference between pepper steak and Mongolian beef?
Pepper steak features bell peppers and a lighter, more savory sauce. Mongolian beef is typically sweeter, often served without vegetables, and uses a thicker soy-brown sugar sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why the Pepper Steak Recipe has remained a favorite in Chinese-American kitchens and takeout menus for generations. It’s fast, flavorful, filling, and endlessly flexible. With tender strips of beef, fresh bell peppers, and a glossy, savory sauce, this stir fry hits all the right notes.
And the best part? You can have it on the table in under half an hour, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Once you try it, you may never crave takeout the same way again.
So, the next time you’re staring at a pack of beef in your fridge wondering what to make, try this homemade pepper steak recipe. It might just become a weeknight classic in your house—just like it did in mine.