Name: Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe brings together tender strips of juicy flank steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a glossy, savory sauce that’s just the right mix of sweet, salty, and spicy. It’s the kind of comforting dish that feels like a restaurant treat but is so simple to whip up at home in just 30 minutes—from busy weeknights to dinner parties, it’s always a show-stopper! Thanks to the quick stir-frying method, every bite is bursting with flavor, making it a permanent favorite in any recipe collection.

Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to see how straightforward yet essential these ingredients are. Each one was chosen for their ability to build those classic flavors, give texture, and add eye-popping color. Don’t skip any—every element has a starring role in making this dish worthy of its Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe title!

Flank steak (1 1/2 pounds, thinly sliced against the grain): Slicing against the grain keeps the steak tender and juicy—don’t rush this step!
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons for marinade, 1/4 cup for sauce): This adds depth, saltiness, and that signature umami note.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): A marinade essential for velvety, restaurant-style beef strips.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures high-heat searing and glossy stir-fried veggies.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a beautiful red hue.
Green bell pepper (1, sliced): For crunch and a touch of grassy bitterness.
Yellow onion (1, sliced): Brings natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that warmly savory backbone.
Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Lends a zingy brightness and subtle heat.
Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Rich, savory, and just a little sweet—this is the secret flavor booster.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds sticky sweetness and complexity.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce gentle caramel undertones.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For earthy, aromatic heat—don’t be shy!
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Use for that spicy kick, or adjust to taste.
Beef broth (1/2 cup): Keeps things saucy and helps deglaze flavorful bits.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Finish with this for toasty, nutty aroma.
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: The finishing touch for freshness and crunch.

How to Make Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by tossing your beautifully thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl with soy sauce and cornstarch. The soy sauce acts as a seasoning while the cornstarch helps the meat develop that signature velvety texture. Let it sit and marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies—this little rest will work wonders!

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat up one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Lay out the steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear each piece for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until deliciously browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan—letting the beef get a proper sear is key to keeping it juicy. Set the browned steak aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add the remaining oil to your hot skillet and toss in the bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry these for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to soften but still have a little crunch. Then, add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for one more minute, stirring constantly—you should smell the fragrant aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, beef broth, and sesame oil. This becomes your secret weapon: a glossy, flavorful sauce that transforms everything. Pour it right into the skillet, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan as it simmers.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the seared steak to the skillet with the veggies and sauce. Give everything a good toss so the steak is completely coated. Let it all simmer together for 2–3 minutes—just until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld into something irresistible. Finish with a generous sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. You’re ready to serve the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe!

How to Serve Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish transforms the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe from great to memorable. Shower it generously with freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color, crunch, and bright flavor. A little extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil can take things to another level, especially for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This steak is made for soaking up with something hearty underneath. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice is the classic pairing—soaks up that yummy sauce perfectly! For a fresh spin, serve it over rice noodles or pair with a big heap of simply sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas to make your meal feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing twist, turn the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe into lettuce wraps or tuck it into warm bao buns. For meal prepping, portion it into meal prep containers with your favorite grain and a lime wedge for freshness on the go. You can even pile the leftovers onto a fresh baguette for a pepper steak banh mi sandwich that will be the envy of every lunch box!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors seem to meld and deepen, making day-two servings extra delicious. Store the rice or noodles separately to keep everything from going mushy.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on meal prep, this recipe freezes well! Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze portions with a little extra sauce to keep things moist on reheating.

Reheating

Warm your Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce needs loosening. If microwaving, cover the dish with a damp paper towel and use short intervals, stirring halfway, to prevent the steak from getting tough.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak gives a perfect tender bite for the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe, you can use sirloin or skirt steak as well. Just slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Is it really spicy with the red pepper flakes?

The heat is pretty gentle, but you can adjust it easily. Leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add a splash of sriracha or more flakes if you love heat—make it your own!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce for their gluten-free counterparts—which are easy to find nowadays—and you’ll have a gluten-free version without missing any flavor.

What’s the best way to slice the steak?

Slicing the steak against the grain (those long muscle fibers) is crucial for tenderness in the Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe. If you like, pop the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing even easier.

Does it work with chicken or tofu?

It sure does! The bold sauce and veggies complement chicken breast or extra-firm tofu just as well, making this a versatile recipe for all eaters. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe a try—the name isn’t just for show, it’s an easy weeknight meal that feels like a celebration every single time. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share it with the people you love most!

Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring tender slices of flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Stir-Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak until browned, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Prepare Vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining oil and stir-fry bell peppers and onion until slightly tender. Add garlic and ginger.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, beef broth, and sesame oil.
Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce into the skillet, simmer, then add steak back. Cook until sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.