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How to Master Perfect Pepper Steak at Home

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This family-friendly pepper steak stir-fry combines tender slices of flank steak with crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory-sweet, umami-rich sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and cooked in a single pan, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper, divided
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with cornstarch, soy sauce, and half of the black pepper until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, beef broth, and the remaining black pepper. Set the sauce aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear until just browned on both sides, about 2–3 minutes. Remove the steak to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Stir-fry the bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  5. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the garlic and ginger to the center, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  6. Return the cooked steak to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir everything together. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and vegetables, about 1–2 minutes.
  8. Drizzle with sesame oil if using, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt or additional soy sauce as needed.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Notes

  • For optimal tenderness, slice the steak against the grain.

  • Pat ingredients dry to avoid excess moisture and steaming.

  • Adjust sauce thickness by varying cornstarch slurry.

  • Marinate beef for at least 10 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

  • Store sauce separately to keep vegetables crisp when reheating.

  • Experiment with different proteins (chicken, tofu) and vegetables (snap peas, carrots) for variety.

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to control sodium levels.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/how-to-master-perfect-pepper-steak-at-home/