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Quick 30-Minute Pepper Steak: Amazing Flavor

pepper steak

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Make this Quick & Easy Skillet Chinese Pepper Steak Stir Fry tonight. You get tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and onions coated in a savory, rich sauce. This dish comes together fast, making it perfect for a weeknight meal that tastes like takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk together beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl to create the sauce.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear quickly, about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
  4. Add the sesame oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
  5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
  7. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything well.
  8. Remove from heat immediately. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Slicing the meat against the grain keeps your steak tender.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the beef; this ensures it browns instead of steams.
  • This recipe reflects Chef Tariq’s belief in respecting core ingredients while delivering big flavor quickly.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of dry sherry to the beef marinade.

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