Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of savory stir-fried dishes, you’ll love this one! The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and the rich, tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to make but packed with flavor. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, coats the beef and vegetables beautifully, making each bite a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. Best of all, this dish is customizable—feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the spice level to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the steak against the grain into strips. Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, stir-frying them for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
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Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced beef to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar or honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
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Combine Everything: Return the vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is well combined.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chinese pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers to boost the heat level.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or rib-eye if preferred. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tender bites.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir-fries are best fresh, you can slice the vegetables and beef ahead of time, then quickly cook everything when ready to serve.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers or other frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones, but fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Can I make this dish without garlic?
If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it, though it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You could substitute with ginger for a different flavor profile.
What should I serve this with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just ensure you press the tofu well to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Can I add more sauce to the dish?
If you prefer extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients to coat the beef and vegetables more generously. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to your taste.
Conclusion
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is perfect for anyone craving a quick, delicious stir-fry with savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and a mouthwatering garlic soy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner that will impress everyone at the table. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation!
PrintChinese Pepper Steak
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory garlic soy sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, it’s a satisfying, customizable dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15-20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: 'Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry bell peppers and onion for 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the skillet.
- Cook the Beef: Add a little more oil if needed and cook the sliced beef for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar or honey, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Add the vegetables back into the skillet with the beef, pour the sauce over the top, and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for more variety.
- Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers for extra heat.
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.