Pepper Steak 🥩🌶️ is a classic stir-fry dish made with tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce — a takeout favorite that’s super easy to make at home in under 30 minutes.
Here’s a flavorful, restaurant-style version you can make on the stovetop or even adapt for an air fryer or slow cooker:
🥩 Pepper Steak Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15–20 min
🧺 Ingredients
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1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 onion, sliced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
Sauce
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¼ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup beef broth (or water)
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1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
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1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
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1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
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½ tsp black pepper (or more for that peppery kick)
🔥 Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
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In a bowl, toss sliced beef with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch.
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Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies.
2. Cook the Beef
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add beef in a single layer and sear until browned (about 2–3 minutes per side).
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Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
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In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed.
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Sauté onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger until crisp-tender (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Make the Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper.
5. Combine Everything
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Return beef to the pan.
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Pour in the sauce and stir until everything is coated and the sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).
6. Serve
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Serve hot over white rice, fried rice, or noodles.
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Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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Tender beef: Slice against the grain for the best texture.
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Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
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Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt.
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Add veggies: Mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli fit perfectly.
Would you like me to give you a slow cooker or air fryer version next? Both work great for pepper steak!
