If you're craving a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meal, look no further than Pepper Steak. This Chinese-American stir-fry features tender beef strips cooked with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory, umami-rich sauce that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

Whether you’re serving it over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, this dish is a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or an easy meal-prep recipe. It’s simple, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in just 30 minutes!

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best homemade Pepper Steak, including ingredients in grams, step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, expert tips, and serving suggestions. Let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Tender & Juicy Beef – The marinated beef is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
✔️ Bold & Savory Flavor – A perfect balance of garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
✔️ Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or low-carb options.
✔️ Better Than Takeout – No added preservatives or MSG, just fresh, homemade goodness.

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Ingredients (in grams)

For the Beef & Marinade:

• 500g flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced
• 20g cornstarch (for tenderizing the beef)
• 15ml soy sauce
• 15ml oyster sauce
• 10ml sesame oil
• 10g sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (5g)
• 10g minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 10g minced ginger (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 30ml soy sauce
• 20ml oyster sauce
• 10ml rice vinegar
• 10g brown sugar
• 10g cornstarch (for thickening, mixed with 30ml water)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (120g)
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced (120g)
• 1 small onion, sliced (100g)
• 10ml water (to help steam the vegetables slightly)
• Extra black pepper for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare & Marinate the Beef

1. Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain.
2. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, garlic, and cornstarch.
3. Add the beef to the marinade, coat well, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
3. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add the bell peppers, onions, and 10ml water.
2. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce.
2. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra black pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
2. Garnish with extra black pepper and sesame seeds for added flavor.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Pepper Steak

✔️ Slice Beef Thinly – Cutting against the grain makes the beef more tender.
✔️ Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Even 15 minutes makes a difference, but overnight is even better!
✔️ Use a Hot Pan – A wok or skillet over high heat gives the beef a perfect sear.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Veggies – Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
✔️ Double the Sauce – If you love extra sauce, make 1.5x the sauce recipe for a saucier dish.

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Creative Variations

🔥 Spicy Pepper Steak – Add 1 teaspoon Sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
🥩 Garlic Butter Pepper Steak – Toss the cooked beef with a bit of garlic butter before serving.
🥦 Veggie Boost – Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
🍄 Mushroom Pepper Steak – Include sliced mushrooms for a rich, umami-packed version.

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Best Sides to Serve with Pepper Steak

🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice – The classic pairing!
🍜 Garlic Noodles – A flavorful, chewy side dish.
🥗 Asian Slaw – A fresh, crunchy contrast.
🥢 Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – A delicious appetizer option.
🥦 Steamed Broccoli – A simple, healthy addition.