Pepper Steak Recipe

There’s no need to order takeout when you can make this flavor-packed Pepper Steak recipe right at home! Made with tender slices of marinated flank steak, onions, and colorful bell peppers smothered in a flavorful black pepper sauce. This dish with its savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors is sure to be a family favorite at first bite!

This is the best pepper steak recipe we’ve ever made! Even the kids loved it. Not only is it rich, hearty, and satisfying, but we love how simple it is to make especially for busy weeknights. This easy recipe comes together in under an hour, and that includes marinating the meat! 

If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas, try our Taco Joes, Steak Quesadillas, and Hamburger Helper Lasagna. 

Ingredients

Below are all of the ingredients you’ll need to make this beef pepper steak.

• Flank Steak: This is an affordable cut of meat that is commonly marinated and stir-fried. You can also use skirt steak or any other type of steak you enjoy!
• Olive Oil: For searing the steak and sauteeing the onions and peppers. We recommend using high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Veggies: Chopped onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper add texture, flavor, and a pop of color to the dish.  
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and an umami flavor to the marinade as well as the pepper steak sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Its acidity helps tenderize the meat and balance the flavors in the marinade. We also use some in the sauce where it balances the sweet and savory flavors.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the marinade and sauce.
• Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps the meat absorb the marinade.
• Baking Soda: Works to tenderize the steak. Be sure to use baking soda, not powder.
• Beef Stock: Provides the base of the sauce and adds a savory flavor. 
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the sauce, which balances the savoriness.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a subtle nutty flavor and aroma to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Aromatics: Both garlic and ginger add depth of flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic brings a pungent flavor, while fresh ginger provides a spicy and earthy flavor.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Instead of soy sauce use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and gluten-free beef stock to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Turn Up the Heat: Saute some chili peppers along with the peppers and onions, and add some red pepper flakes into the black pepper sauce to give the dish some added heat.
• Mushrooms: Saute some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.

How to Make Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Here’s everything you need to know to make this simple pepper steak stir fry. To get started, be sure to thinly slice your flank steak, chop your onion and peppers, and mince your garlic and ginger. 

Step 1: Make the marinade.  Whisk together the marinade ingredients until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the meat. Add the sliced flank steak to the marinade and toss to coat all the pieces. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the black pepper sauce. Add all of the black pepper sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk until well combined. 

Step 4: Sear the steak. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the meat for 1 ½ minutes per side. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside. 

Step 5: Add the veggies. Add the chopped onions and peppers to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 6: Pour in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Add the meat. Return the flank steak to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Storage Directions 

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover steak in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Leftovers can also be microwaved, covered on a microwave-safe plate, in 30-second intervals until thoroughly heated.

Serving Suggestions

We love the simple pairing of this Chinese steak stir fry and rice! It's a surefire winner! Both brown and white rice are great options. Noodles such as lo mein work well too.

Enjoy a Chinese-American inspired dinner by cooking this dish along with some Black Pepper Chicken, Honey Sesame Chicken, and Honey Garlic Chicken. Serve everything family-style so everyone can try a little of each dish! 

Don’t forget dessert! After enjoying this tasty Asian-style steak for dinner, have some Vanilla Ice Cream or Coconut Cake Mix Cookies for a sweet treat.

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