Name: Best Ever Pepper Steak
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced.; 1/4 cup soy sauce.; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce.; 1 tablespoon cornstarch.; 1 tablespoon brown sugar.; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.; 1 onion, thinly sliced.; 1 red bell pepper, sliced.; 1 green bell pepper, sliced.; 3 cloves garlic, minced.; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated.; Salt and black pepper to taste.; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish).

This Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe combines tender slices of flank steak with vibrant bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. Start by marinating the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and brown sugar. Stir-fry the beef until browned, then sauté onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger until crisp-tender. Toss everything together and garnish with green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both flavorful and easy to make.

When it comes to hearty, flavorful meals, nothing beats a well-prepared pepper steak. This dish combines the tenderness of flank steak with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so special.

Ingredients

The key to a delicious pepper steak lies in the quality and combination of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe because it’s flavorful and becomes tender when cooked quickly at high heat.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that is essential for the marinade.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: This thick, savory sauce deepens the flavor of the dish, giving it a rich umami profile.

1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a silky texture.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy and oyster sauces.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying, vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for high-heat cooking.

1 onion, thinly sliced: Onions add sweetness and depth to the stir-fry.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Provides a sweet, mild flavor and vibrant color.
1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of the red bell pepper.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory aroma.

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty, peppery flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Season to your preference to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a touch of color to the finished dish.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this pepper steak recipe. In the next section, we’ll dive into the detailed steps to bring these ingredients together into a delicious meal.

Instructions

Creating the perfect pepper steak is all about following the steps carefully to ensure every ingredient is cooked to perfection. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix these ingredients until the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved. This marinade not only flavors the steak but also tenderizes it.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Add 1.5 lbs of thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade. Ensure each piece of steak is well-coated. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step can be done in advance and the steak can be left to marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. The oil should be very hot before adding the steak to ensure a good sear, which helps lock in the juices and flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Add the marinated beef to the hot wok or skillet. Stir-fry the steak, moving it constantly to ensure even cooking. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add 1 thinly sliced onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Stir-fry these vegetables until they are tender but still crisp, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine the Ingredients

Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors are well blended.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot with your choice of side, such as steamed rice or noodles.

By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious pepper steak that is both tender and flavorful. In the next section, we’ll cover some tips for serving and storing this dish, along with helpful notes and variations.

Serving and Storage Tips

Proper serving and storage are key to enjoying your pepper steak at its best. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this dish:

Serving Tips

Accompaniments: Pepper steak pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. The rice or noodles help soak up the savory sauce, making each bite flavorful.
Presentation: For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the dish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve the dish hot, straight from the pan to maintain the optimal temperature and texture.

Portion Size: This recipe serves four, but it can easily be doubled to accommodate a larger crowd. Adjust the seasoning and cooking times as needed to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pepper steak will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan to keep the meat and vegetables moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze pepper steak. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to make this pepper steak recipe even more versatile and delicious:

Helpful Notes

Beef Selection: Flank steak is recommended, but you can also use sirloin or ribeye for a more tender cut.
Marinade Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the beef for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, 15 minutes will still yield a tasty result.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or carrots to the stir-fry. This can add more color and nutrition to the dish.

Variations

Spicy Pepper Steak: Add a sliced jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry for a spicy kick.
Teriyaki Pepper Steak: Substitute the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
Garlic Pepper Steak: Increase the amount of garlic to 5 cloves for a more pronounced garlic flavor.

According to Ina Garten, "A good steak should be simple yet flavorful, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through." This pepper steak recipe embodies that philosophy, offering a delicious meal that is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.