Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying, look no further than this Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion. Imagine tender strips of steak, seared to perfection, and tossed with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions in a savory sauce that’s both rich and tangy. This dish is bursting with flavor and will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re just starting out! Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

This recipe is all about big, bold flavors with minimal effort. Here’s why this pepper steak is destined to be a new favorite:

Quick and Easy

It comes together in no time! From prepping the ingredients to serving it on the table, you’re looking at a meal that takes under 30 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something flavorful without all the fuss.

Packed with Flavor

The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions soaked in a savory sauce makes this dish a true flavor bomb. A dash of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar bring everything together in perfect harmony.

Versatile

Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes—it’s one of those dishes that can be paired with anything you like. Or, if you’re keeping things light, you can enjoy it on its own with a side of veggies.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re cooking for your family, having friends over, or meal prepping for the week, this pepper steak is guaranteed to impress. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication!

Ingredients

This dish requires just a handful of simple ingredients, but they come together to create something spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sirloin Steak

The star of the show! Sirloin is a great choice because it’s tender, flavorful, and cooks quickly. You’ll slice it into thin strips, making it perfect for this stir-fry-style dish.

Bell Peppers

A mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers gives this dish a pop of color and a sweet, crunchy texture that balances the savory beef.

Onion

Sweet onions add depth and flavor, and when they cook down, they get wonderfully tender and caramelized.

Soy Sauce

This adds a rich, salty base to the sauce, giving the dish its savory umami flavor.

Garlic

A few cloves of garlic minced up for that essential savory punch. Garlic makes everything better!

Cornstarch

Used to thicken the sauce and give it that nice, glossy finish. It helps everything cling to the steak and veggies perfectly.

Rice Vinegar

A splash of rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity, cutting through the richness of the beef and making the flavors pop.

Brown Sugar

A small amount of brown sugar balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a little sweetness to the sauce.

Salt and Pepper

For seasoning, to taste.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful pepper steak! It’s simple and quick, so you’ll be digging into this delicious meal in no time.

Sear the Steak

Start by slicing the sirloin steak into thin strips, against the grain. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions, and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a little crunch. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will create a thick, flavorful sauce that’ll coat the beef and veggies.

Combine the Beef and Sauce

Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the beef is cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your pepper steak hot, over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or just on its own! Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Dig in and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Fat: [Fat per serving]
Carbohydrates: [Carb per serving]
Protein: [Protein per serving]
Sodium: [Sodium per serving]
Fiber: [Fiber per serving]
Sugar: [Sugar per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion

While this pepper steak is amazing on its own, you can elevate your meal by pairing it with the right sides. Here are a few ideas:

Steamed Rice

A classic pairing. The tender rice will soak up all the savory sauce and make every bite of beef and veggies even more satisfying.

Noodles

For a bit of a twist, serve your pepper steak over noodles. Rice noodles, egg noodles, or even soba noodles would work wonderfully.

Roasted Vegetables

Pair with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Their sweetness and crunch will complement the dish perfectly.

Fresh Salad

A simple cucumber or mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pepper steak.

Additional Tips

Slice the Steak Thin

For the most tender texture, slice your steak thinly against the grain. This will make it cook faster and ensure each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Adjust the Sauce

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little extra brown sugar. For more heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Use Other Vegetables

Feel free to mix in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas. They’ll add even more flavor and texture to the dish.

Leftovers

Leftover pepper steak makes for great meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat.

Make It Spicy

If you like things spicy, add some fresh chili slices or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes! You can use flank steak, ribeye, or even skirt steak for this recipe. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the veggies and sauce in advance to make it quicker to cook when you’re ready.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free version of soy sauce.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to add in mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas. The more veggies, the more color and flavor!

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Q6: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A6: Rice vinegar works best, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tang.

Q7: How do I make this spicier?
A7: Add fresh sliced chilies, chili paste, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce to bring the heat.

Q8: What kind of rice should I serve with this?
A8: Steamed white rice or jasmine rice works perfectly with this dish, but you can also use brown rice for a heartier option.

Q9: Can I use frozen bell peppers?
A9: While fresh peppers have the best texture, frozen peppers can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking.

Q10: How do I know when the beef is cooked?
A10: The beef should be browned on the outside and cooked through but still tender. If you’re unsure, you can check with a meat thermometer (medium-rare beef is 130-135°F).

Conclusion

This Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s loaded with flavor, packed with vegetables, and so satisfying. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or just on its own, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!

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