If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, quick to whip up, and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. With tender flank steak coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce and colorful bell peppers adding a fresh crunch, every bite feels like a comforting hug from the inside out. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe shine. Each component plays its part, from the tender steak that brings hearty flavor to the crisp bell peppers that add a pop of color and freshness.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Essential for searing the steak and sautéing the peppers without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Red bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Adds vivid color and a sweet crunch that balances the savory steak perfectly.
- Green bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Provides a slightly peppery bite and brightens the dish visually.
- Flank steak (1 1/4 pounds, thinly sliced): A lean cut that cooks quickly and beautifully soaks up the sauce.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Brings aromatic depth and a warm, savory kick.
- Minced ginger (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle zing that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty foundation that ties the sauce together with umami richness.
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup, or water): Provides moisture and a gentle background flavor for the sauce.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Gives a hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness and enhances the caramelization.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to every slice of steak and pepper.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, or more to taste): Adds a warming spice that complements the dish’s name and flavor.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. This simple sauce blend is the magic behind that irresistible glossy coating your steak and peppers will wear.
Step 2: Cook the Bell Peppers
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften just enough to stay crisp and colorful. Remove them from the pan and set aside—they’ll rejoin the party later.
Step 3: Sear the Flank Steak
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan. Lay the sliced flank steak in the pan, letting it sear undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the outside is beautifully browned and the inside still has a touch of pink. This ensures your steak stays tender and juicy.
Step 4: Infuse with Garlic and Ginger
Stir the garlic and ginger into the steak, cooking for about 30 seconds. The moment you smell that fragrant garlic-ginger combo, you know you’re in for something delicious.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken the Sauce
Return the sautéed bell peppers to the pan. Give your prepared sauce mixture a good stir and pour it in. Continue cooking, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats every piece of steak and pepper with a luscious glaze. Then, transfer everything to a serving dish and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes amplify both flavor and presentation. Sprinkle some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and a pop of color. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten the dish even more and give it that extra flavor lift.
Side Dishes
This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a simple stir-fried noodle noodle works just as well. Don’t forget to serve alongside steamed veggies or a crisp Asian-style salad to keep things balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the pepper steak over a bed of warm fried rice or inside lettuce wraps for a fun handheld twist. You can also toss the cooked steak and peppers into a warm pita or flatbread for a flavorful sandwich with lots of juicy, saucy bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Easy Pepper Steak Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, portion the steak and peppers into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and restore the sauce’s silky texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, but stovetop reheating tends to preserve the dish’s natural flavors the best.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and tender when sliced thin, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice against the grain to keep the meat tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe isn’t spicy by default; the black pepper provides a mild warmth. If you like heat, you can easily add red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free option?
Yes, tamari or coconut aminos work well as gluten-free alternatives that won’t compromise the rich umami flavor in the sauce.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
Chill the steak slightly before slicing to help achieve thin, even pieces. Always slice against the grain to make the meat easier to chew and enjoy.
Can this recipe be doubled for more servings?
Definitely! Simply double the ingredients and use a large enough pan to cook everything evenly. Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the steak to steam instead of sear.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I crave something flavorful, colorful, and quick to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, delivering tasty satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Easy Pepper Steak recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak and vibrant bell peppers cooked in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both colorful and delicious.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
Meat
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, chicken broth (or water), brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.
- Cook the peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. Remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Sear the steak: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to brown on the outside while remaining pink and tender on the inside.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and minced ginger to the steak and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and thicken sauce: Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan. Give the prepared sauce mixture a quick stir to recombine, then pour it over the steak and peppers. Cook while stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, ideally with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For tender steak, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water if desired or for a vegetarian version use vegetable broth and tofu instead of flank steak.
- Adjust the black pepper quantity to suit your spice preference.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
