Traditional Pepper Steak

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Traditional Pepper Steak is a classic dish that brings together tender beef and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and full of flavor. Let's bring some taste-packed comfort to your dining table!

Ingredients for Traditional Pepper Steak

Beef sirloin is the star of the show here. Its tenderness makes it ideal for quick cooking, and when sliced thinly, it absorbs all the lovely flavors of the sauce. Vegetable oil is used for its neutral taste and high smoke point, perfect for searing the beef. The combination of onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper not only adds color but also a sweet and slightly tangy crunch. Garlic brings that unmistakable aromatic depth that ties everything together. The soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce form the foundation of the sauce, providing a rich, umami base. Cornstarch is key for thickening the sauce to a silky consistency, while the ground black pepper adds just the right amount of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra tenderness, slice the beef against the grain.
  • Use a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
  • If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; work in batches if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

This Pepper Steak is fantastic served over steamed jasmine or basmati rice. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad on the side. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped fresh scallions can add a nice finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, flank steak or skirt steak can work well too, just ensure it's sliced thin.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead to save time.

Traditional Pepper Steak Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it sit for a minute before stirring; this helps achieve a nice brown sear. Once all the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir them around for about 5–7 minutes until they begin to soften and develop a bit of char. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute to let it release its aroma.

While the veggies are cooking, mix together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, water, and black pepper in a small bowl. Make sure everything is well combined, with no lumps from the cornstarch. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, which will help thicken the sauce.

Add the browned beef back into the skillet, stirring to coat it thoroughly in the sauce and ensure everything is heated through. Serve immediately while it's hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Versatile and customizable to your family's taste.
  • A delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until tender.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, water, and black pepper.
6. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7. Return beef to the skillet, stir to coat with sauce, and cook until heated through.
8. Serve hot, preferably with steamed rice.

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