Pepper Steak Stir-Fry

Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender pieces of steak cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Slice the Steak: Cut the steak into thin strips. To make slicing easier, you can partially freeze the steak for about 30 minutes before cutting.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, combine the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside for 10-15 minutes to marinate.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

1. Heat Oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Stir-Fry Steak: Add the marinated steak strips to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the steak is browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

1. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the steak. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
3. Thicken Sauce: Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Pepper Steak Stir-Fry with freshly chopped green onions.
2. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Notes

• Steak Selection: Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye works well for this recipe. Ensure the steak is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Variations

Low-Carb/Keto Version:

• Serve the Pepper Steak Stir-Fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Vegan Version:

• Substitute the steak with firm tofu or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and a vegan oyster sauce alternative.

Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry

• High Heat: Use high heat to quickly sear the steak and cook the vegetables. This helps retain their crispness and color.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the steak in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can cause the steak to steam rather than sear.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach the desired consistency.

Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce creates a delicious meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and simplicity of this classic stir-fry dish!

Enjoy your Pepper Steak Stir-Fry!