Pepper Steak Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s not just quick and easy but also bursting with flavor, then this Pepper Steak Recipe is exactly what you need! This dish combines juicy ribeye steak, colorful bell peppers, and zesty onions in a sweet and spicy broth that will make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a hit with family and friends alike, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings!

What I love most about this recipe is how it captures the essence of Chinese takeout while being made right at home. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, which means more time enjoying your meal and less time worrying about the cooking. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table.
• Family favorite: The combination of steak and colorful veggies appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or proteins based on what you have at home.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep ingredients ahead of time for an even quicker weeknight meal.
• Deliciously satisfying: With its sweet and spicy sauce, each bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Most of them are probably already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you need to create this delightful Pepper Steak Recipe:

For the Main Dish

• 2 lbs Ribeye steak (cut into 2-inch long thin slices)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped into bite-size pieces)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped into bite-size pieces)
• 1 medium white onion (chopped into bite-size pieces)

For the Sauce & Seasoning

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided in half)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp ginger (minced)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 1¼ cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to some fun variations you can try!

Variations

This Pepper Steak Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try chicken or tofu instead of ribeye steak for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or even mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes to the mix.
• Use different sauces: Experiment with teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a unique twist.

How to Make Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Steak

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ribeye steak slices to the pan. Searing them for about 5-6 minutes until they are lightly browned helps lock in their juices and flavor. After cooking, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Toss in your chopped bell peppers and onions. Cooking these for about 3-4 minutes allows them to soften while retaining their vibrant colors. This step brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall dish.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once your vegetables are tender, return your cooked steak back into the skillet. This is where all those delicious flavors start coming together!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, black pepper, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, beef broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir everything until well-combined before pouring it over the steak and veggies in your skillet. This flavorful sauce is what truly makes this Pepper Steak Recipe shine!

Step 5: Simmer Until Thickened

Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely—this process melds all those wonderful flavors together while ensuring every bite is savory!

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy!

Finally, serve your delicious pepper steak hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy every mouthful—you’ve just created a fantastic homemade meal that rivals any takeout!

This comforting dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak Recipe

Creating the perfect Pepper Steak is all about technique and flavor balance, so here are some tips to elevate your dish!

• Slice the steak thinly: Cutting the ribeye into 2-inch long thin slices allows it to cook evenly and absorb more flavor from the sauce. This ensures each bite is juicy and tender.
• Preheat your skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak. A well-heated pan sears the meat quickly, locking in juices and creating a beautiful caramelization that enhances the overall flavor.
• Adjust spice levels: If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the mix. This gives your Pepper Steak an extra kick without overpowering other flavors.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vibrant bell peppers make a huge difference in taste. They not only add flavor but also bring color and nutrition to your dish.
• Thicken your sauce perfectly: To achieve that ideal sauciness, make sure to stir in the cornstarch mixture gradually while simmering, which will help thicken the broth-based sauce without clumping.

How to Serve Pepper Steak Recipe

Presenting your Pepper Steak in an appealing way can enhance the dining experience! Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: Lightly sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over your dish for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions not only provide a pop of color but also an extra layer of freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice pairs perfectly with Pepper Steak, soaking up all the delicious sauce and balancing out the meal.
• Stir-fried broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds a nutritious element to your plate, providing a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the steak.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar can offer a cool counterpoint to the spiciness of the dish, enhancing every bite.
• Egg fried rice: For those who want to take their meal up a notch, egg fried rice adds protein and flavor while still being an easy side to whip up alongside your main dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with this delightful Pepper Steak Recipe. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pepper Steak Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a delicious dinner that can be enjoyed throughout the week. The flavors meld beautifully when stored, making it even tastier the next day!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pepper steak to cool completely.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this Pepper Steak Recipe that might help you out!

Can I make this Pepper Steak Recipe with other types of meat?

Absolutely! While ribeye steak is delicious, you can substitute it with flank steak or chicken for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with Pepper Steak?

This flavorful dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

How spicy is this Pepper Steak Recipe?

The spiciness comes from black pepper and optional spicy elements. You can adjust the amount of black pepper or add chili flakes to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pepper Steak Recipe brings warmth and joy to your dining table! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish made right at home. Whether you’re preparing it for family or friends, I’m sure everyone will love it just as much as I do. Enjoy making this delightful recipe, and happy cooking!