Pepper steak is a classic, flavorful dish that combines tender beef with crisp bell peppers in a savory sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting homemade meal, cooking pepper steak at home is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips to make your pepper steak juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients for Pepper Steak
– Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are the best cuts for quick stir-frying because they’re tender and cook fast.
– Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow for a colorful and sweet crunch.
– Onion: Adds sweetness and texture.
– Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
– Soy Sauce: Low sodium is preferred to control saltiness.
– Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to a perfect glaze.
– Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
– Rice Wine Vinegar or Water: Adds acidity and helps adjust sauce consistency.
– Black Pepper: The star seasoning that gives the dish its name.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pepper Steak
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your steak thinly against the grain into strips about ¼ inch thick. This helps keep the meat tender and easy to chew. For easier slicing, you can freeze the steak for 30 minutes beforehand. Then, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. You can also add a little baking soda to tenderize the meat further. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Core and seed your bell peppers, then slice them into thin strips. Chop the onion into strips or rings. Mince fresh garlic and ginger finely. These will add bold flavors to your dish.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, a splash of rice wine vinegar or water, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Set aside a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken the sauce later.
4. Cook the Beef
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until almost smoking. Add half the beef in a single layer and sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring to get a nice crust. Flip and cook the other side briefly until just pink inside. Remove the beef and repeat with the remaining half.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Combine and Finish with Sauce
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and veggies beautifully and the beef is cooked through.
7. Serve
Serve your pepper steak hot over steamed white rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like for extra flavor and color.
Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches to ensure it sears properly instead of steaming.
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and bell peppers make a big difference in flavor.
– Adjust sauce thickness: Add more cornstarch slurry if the sauce is too thin, or a splash of water if it’s too thick.
– Marinate for flavor: The longer you marinate the beef, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
– Cut against the grain: This keeps the steak tender and easy to eat.
Pepper steak is a versatile dish that you can customize by adding mushrooms, swapping beef for chicken or tofu, or adjusting the spice level. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!