30 Minutes – Easy Pepper Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak (or skirt steak), thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

Directions:

Step 1

Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra tenderness (this marinating step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in this pepper steak recipe).

Step 2

Prep the Veggies: While the beef marinates, wash and thinly slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Searing Success: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until browned. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside on a plate. Searing the beef at high heat creates a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy – a hallmark of a great pepper steak recipe.

Step 4

Veggie Time: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the pan with any remaining oil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

Flavorful Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, ¼ cup soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Thicken Up: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce until it thickens slightly.

Step 7

Back to the Beef: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Finishing Touches: (Optional) For a touch of heat, add 1 teaspoon sriracha to the pan and stir to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve & Enjoy: Serve the hot pepper steak over cooked white or brown rice. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender beef, colorful peppers, and a savory and slightly sweet sauce!

Tips:

• Thinly Sliced Beef: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures tender and bite-sized pieces.
• High Heat & Short Cooking Time: Use high heat and stir-fry quickly to prevent the beef from drying out.
• Adjust the Spice: Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of sriracha or using a milder chili sauce.

Made this easy pepper steak recipe? Any tips or tricks to make it even better? Share them in the comments!

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