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A sizzling pepper steak stir fry cooking in a large wok with colorful peppers and onions. The ingredients for the Chinese pepper steak are being tossed together.

Pepper Steak Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

This easy Pepper Steak Recipe delivers perfectly tender beef and crisp peppers in a rich, savory sauce. A delicious, restaurant-quality stir-fry ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for slurry
  • 2 tablespoons water for slurry
  • 2 large bell peppers one green, one red, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Instructions
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and the sesame oil. Toss until the beef is evenly coated and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In another small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce has thickened.

Notes

For the most tender beef, slice it against the grain. Freezing the steak for 15-20 minutes before slicing can make it much easier to get thin, even cuts.
Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the beef to get a perfect sear without overcooking it.
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