Name: Easy Pepper Steak
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 small onion (sliced); 1 bell pepper (sliced (half red and half green)); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided, for cooking); 1 pound round steak (or sirloin, sliced thin); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 dash salt and pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea? This easy pepper steak recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday lunch. Made with tender steak, colorful bell peppers, and a savory soy-based sauce, it’s a delicious Asian-inspired dish that comes together fast and tastes amazing over white rice.

Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak

Fast and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes
Family favorite – Kids and adults love it
Great for meal prep – Prep ahead and cook when you’re ready
Full of flavor – Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spice

What Is Pepper Steak?

Pepper steak is a popular stir-fry dish made with thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, and onions. The sauce is usually soy-based with a hint of garlic and ginger. It’s inspired by Chinese-American cooking and tastes great served over rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Vegetables:

1 small onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (use half red and half green for color)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Steak:

1 pound round steak, sirloin, or venison, sliced thin
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce (Glaze):

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1½ tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice your steak into thin strips.
Slice the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the steak marinade: soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Pour over steak and refrigerate.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly browned and tender.
Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil.
Add the marinated steak and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked vegetables back to the skillet.
Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over white or brown rice.
Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra veggies.
Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if you like.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

Use cold, cooked rice if you want to serve it fried. Chill it for a few hours or overnight for better texture.
Cut your meat thin so it cooks evenly and quickly.
Don’t overcook the veggies if you like them a little crisp.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can prep the steak and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This homemade pepper steak is better than takeout and much healthier. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table fast. Try it tonight and make it a regular on your meal plan!