Pepper Steak with Onions – A Quick, Flavor-Packed Classic
Pepper Steak with Onions is a deliciously bold and colorful dish that brings together tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions in a rich, savory sauce. Inspired by Chinese-American cuisine, this stir-fry is incredibly easy to prepare and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinade)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the savory notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water with a dash of soy sauce)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix until the beef is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this step tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear until browned and almost cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a plate.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine and Simmer
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat and vegetables.
5. Serve Hot
Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Cooking Tips
- Slice thinly: Always slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Hot pan, quick stir-fry: Keep your heat high and don’t overcrowd the skillet to achieve that perfect sear.
- Color variety: Using both red and green bell peppers not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.
What to Serve With
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- Garlic noodles or lo mein
- Asian cucumber salad
- Simple egg drop or miso soup
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fats: ~18g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Key Nutrients: Iron, Vitamin C, Potassium
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavorful: Sweet, savory, garlicky, and peppery.
- Nutritious: A good source of protein and vitamins.
- Customizable: Try it with mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Crowd-pleasing: Loved by both picky eaters and adventurous foodies!
Final Thoughts
Pepper Steak with Onions is a restaurant-quality stir-fry that you can whip up in your own kitchen in no time. It’s bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking up something cozy for tonight’s dinner, this recipe delivers every time.