Nothing beats the sizzle of beef and green peppers hitting a hot pan after a long day. This Pepper Steak Recipe brings together tender sirloin steak with colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce that my family absolutely devours. My husband always asks for seconds, and honestly, I don't blame him. The aroma fills our entire kitchen and makes everyone gather around the table. It's comfort food that tastes fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why You'll Love This
This Pepper Steak Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your home kitchen. The beef becomes incredibly tender while the peppers keep their perfect crunch. My sister visited last week and couldn't believe how simple it was to make such a flavorful dish. The sauce coats every piece beautifully without being too heavy or overwhelming. Plus, it's versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. Trust me, this healthy sirloin recipe will become your new weeknight favorite.
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What You'll Need
These simple ingredients create magic when combined together. Most of these items are probably already sitting in your pantry, which makes this dish perfect for those "what's for dinner" moments we all know too well.
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 large bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Fresh green onions for garnish add a nice pop of color, and a dash of red pepper flakes brings gentle heat if your family enjoys spice like mine does.
This pepper steak recipe is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Pepper Steak Recipe
Prep the Steak
Cut your sirloin against the grain into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. Toss the strips with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This creates a beautiful sear and helps thicken our sauce later.
Heat Your Pan
Get your large skillet or wok really hot over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of oil and let it shimmer. The key to great steak tips and peppers is that initial high heat sear.
Sear the Beef
Add the seasoned steak strips in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan or they'll steam instead of sear. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them, then stir and cook another 2 minutes until browned.
Can you use different cuts of steak for this recipe? Absolutely! While sirloin works beautifully, you can substitute with flank steak, ribeye strips, or even cubed steak stir fry for a more budget-friendly option.
Add the Vegetables
Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil, then toss in your sliced peppers and onions. The vegetables should still have some crunch when finished, so don't overcook them.
Create the Sauce
Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and beef broth in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over everything in the pan. The sauce will bubble and start coating the beef and green peppers stir fry beautifully.
Final Simmer
Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The beef should be tender and the peppers perfectly crisp-tender.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to perfect peppers and beef recipes lies in not overcooking the vegetables.
My mom taught me this years ago when I was just learning to cook. Keep those bell peppers bright and slightly crisp for the best texture contrast.
Also, cutting your steak against the grain makes all the difference in tenderness. I learned this the hard way after serving chewy steak to dinner guests once!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Feel free to swap bell peppers for snow peas or broccoli if that's what you have on hand. Tamari works perfectly in place of soy sauce for gluten-free families. For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños with the other vegetables. My daughter loves when I throw in some mushrooms too.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover pepper steak recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed. The flavors actually develop more overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the beef tough.
What to Serve With Pepper Steak Recipe
This pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes. My family also loves it over egg noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A simple side salad or steamed broccoli rounds out the meal perfectly. These fried steak dinner ideas work great for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
FAQs About Pepper Steak Recipe
What's the best cut of beef to use?
Sirloin works wonderfully, but flank steak or even hamburger pepper steak versions using ground beef are delicious alternatives that won't break the budget.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all ingredients earlier in the day. The actual cooking only takes about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I keep the peppers from getting soggy?
Add them later in the cooking process and don't overcook. They should retain some crunch for the best texture and visual appeal.
Can I freeze pepper steak Recipe?
While possible, the peppers may lose their texture when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of cooking.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this comforting dish, you'll definitely want to try my beef and broccoli stir fry that uses similar techniques but with different flavors. My honey garlic chicken is another family favorite that comes together just as quickly. For more hearty Dinner options, check out my collection of striploin steak recipes that never fail to impress.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version. Don't forget to explore more of my beef dinner recipes for inspiration all week long!
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Pairing
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