There’s something truly special about a sizzling hot plate of Pepper Steak—the tender strips of ribeye, the vibrant bell peppers, and that luscious sauce that brings everything together in a harmonious dance of flavors. The best part? The textures, with the juicy meat complementing the slight crunch of the peppers and the silky sauce coating every bite. I often find myself making this dish on a weeknight just to feel that comforting embrace of flavors, reminding me of cozy family dinners and laughter.
This dish comes together surprisingly fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile too! Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, toss in some noodles, or even wrap it up in a tortilla for a delightful twist. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’re just as satisfying the next day.
WHY I LOVE PEPPER STEAK
Pepper Steak Recipe
Ah, Pepper Steak—it hits that sweet spot between quick and indulgent. It’s incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, making it a true winner at my table. Each ingredient plays its part beautifully, creating a savory symphony of flavors that you’ll want to revisit time and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings an elegant touch to any meal without fuss!
PEPPER STEAK INGREDIENTS
The magic of this Pepper Steak truly lies in its simplicity and the freshness of each ingredient. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 2 LBS RIBEYE STEAK: Cut into 2-inch long thin slices. This tender cut is the star of the show!
- 1 RED BELL PEPPER: Chopped into bite-size pieces. It adds a sweet crunch and wonderful color.
- 1 GREEN BELL PEPPER: Chopped into bite-size pieces. It brings that classic pepper flavor and balances the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 MEDIUM WHITE ONION: Chopped into bite-size pieces. This will add a lovely sweetness as it caramelizes.
- 2 TBSP VEGETABLE OIL: Divided in half. This oil is essential for cooking and ensures we get that golden color on our steak.
- 3 CLOVES GARLIC: Minced. The aroma of garlic will make you swoon!
- 1 TSP BLACK PEPPER: A little warmth to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
- ½ TSP GINGER: Minced. It’s a tiny little gem that packs a mighty punch of flavor.
- 2 TBSP BROWN SUGAR: To mirror the sweetness from the peppers and enhance the sauce.
- ⅓ CUP SOY SAUCE: This will elevate our dish with that umami kick.
- 1¼ CUPS BEEF BROTH: For a rich and savory sauce.
- 2 TBSP RICE VINEGAR: A touch of acidity to bring balance.
- 1 TSP SESAME OIL: Just a drizzle for that nutty flavor profile.
- 2 TBSP CORNSTARCH: This helps to thicken our sauce to just the right consistency!
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you’re missing something from the ingredient list, here are some easy adjustments:
- For ribeye steak, you can use flank or sirloin—though it won’t be quite as rich!
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or even a squeeze of lime juice can work well too.
- Want to switch up the flavor? Try adding some chili flakes for heat or toss in a handful of snow peas for added texture.
- Remember, slicing the steak against the grain is key to keeping it tender!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large skillet (12-inch)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
HOW TO MAKE PEPPER STEAK
Let’s dive into creating this delicious Pepper Steak. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, so follow along, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time! We’re aiming for tender steak coated in a savory, sticky sauce—a dish that feels like a warm embrace.
Sear for Golden Crust
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ribeye steak slices in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned. This step is key to making sure your steak has that beautiful crust! Remove from skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the skillet. Toss in the red and green bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender. You want them vibrant and slightly softened to hold the dish’s color and provide a lovely crunch.
Combine Steak and Veggies
Now, add the cooked steak back into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. This is where it all comes together! The goal is to infuse the steak with the flavors of the vegetables while they mingle happily.
Mix the Sauce Ingredients
While that’s happening, grab a medium bowl and add the garlic, black pepper, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, beef broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined. This simple mixture will transform into a luscious sauce that binds everything together.
Simmer for Flavor
Pour the sauce mix into the skillet with the steak and veggies. Bring everything to a simmer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. The aroma will be out of this world! You’ll want to give it a good stir to ensure every bite is coated in that flavorful sauce.
Serve and Garnish
Finally, serve hot over steamed rice. Don’t shy away from garnishing with sesame seeds for that irresistible crunch! Enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors and textures.
HOW TO STORE PEPPER STEAK
Leftover Pepper Steak is a beautiful thing! Allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container—this will keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When it’s time to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You might find that those flavors have intensified, making leftovers a true treat!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch; it’s essential for that thick, irresistible sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; the balance of sweetness and savory should suit your palate.
- Garnish with sesame seeds right before serving for that beautiful finishing touch!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve over fluffy steamed rice or toss it with noodles for a heartier meal.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a cold beer; it balances the richness so well!
- Add some pickled vegetables on the side for an extra zesty bite.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for that pop of color and flavor!
There you have it! A wonderfully indulgent Pepper Steak recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings and delightful enough to impress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—happy cooking!
