This recipe for Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry delivers a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender strips of beef stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. This popular dish is known for its quick cooking time and its appealing combination of textures and tastes. The beef, often thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak, is typically marinated briefly to enhance its tenderness and flavor. The bell peppers, usually a mix of green, red, and yellow for visual appeal and varied sweetness, are stir-fried until crisp-tender, retaining a slight bite. Onions, often sliced or wedged, add a sweet and pungent counterpoint to the other ingredients. The savory sauce, a hallmark of pepper steak, is usually a balanced blend of soy sauce for umami, beef broth for depth, sugar for a touch of sweetness, cornstarch for thickening, and aromatics like garlic and ginger for added flavor complexity. Often served over fluffy rice, this Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Its adaptability allows for the inclusion of other vegetables like mushrooms or bamboo shoots, and the spice level can be adjusted with the addition of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The vibrant colors of the peppers against the browned beef make it an appealing dish both visually and gastronomically.
The texture of Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a delightful mix of tender and crisp. The beef, when properly sliced and stir-fried, should be tender and easy to chew. The bell peppers retain a pleasant crisp-tender bite, offering a satisfying crunch. The onions soften slightly but still have some texture. The sauce coats all the ingredients, providing a smooth and slightly thickened consistency. When served over rice, the fluffy grains offer a soft and neutral base that complements the textures of the stir-fry. The overall texture is dynamic and enjoyable, preventing any single element from being monotonous.
The flavor profile of Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a savory and slightly sweet blend with hints of umami and aromatics. The beef takes on the savory notes of the marinade and any browning during the stir-fry process. The bell peppers contribute their individual sweet and slightly vegetal flavors, with red and yellow peppers being sweeter than green. Onions add a pungent sweetness that mellows as they cook. The sauce is the key to the overall flavor, with soy sauce providing a salty umami depth, sugar balancing the saltiness with a touch of sweetness, and beef broth adding richness. Garlic and ginger introduce warm and aromatic complexities. The balance of these flavors creates a satisfying and well-rounded dish that is both savory and slightly sweet, with the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables shining through.
Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is a versatile dish that can be adapted to various preferences and dietary needs. Different cuts of beef can be used, and the marinade can be customized with other flavorings like sesame oil or oyster sauce. The variety of bell peppers can be adjusted based on availability and preference. Other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli florets, snap peas, or baby corn can be added to increase the nutritional content and textural diversity. For those who prefer a spicier dish, red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can be incorporated into the sauce. It can be served not only over rice but also over noodles or quinoa. For a lower-carb option, it can be enjoyed on its own or with cauliflower rice.
The preparation of Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry is relatively quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The process typically involves slicing the beef into thin strips and marinating it briefly. While the beef marinates, the bell peppers and onions are sliced or chopped. The sauce is prepared by whisking together the liquids, sugar, cornstarch, and aromatics. The stir-frying process is done in a hot wok or large skillet, starting with the beef until it is browned, then adding the vegetables and stir-frying them until crisp-tender. Finally, the sauce is poured over the mixture and cooked until it thickens and coats all the ingredients. The key to a good stir-fry is to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the actual stir-frying happens quickly over high heat.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb sirloin steak or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for cooking beef if needed
- 1 large onion, sliced or wedged
- 2 bell peppers (any combination of green, red, yellow), cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked white rice or brown rice
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of soy sauce, beef broth, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion and bell peppers into strips. Mince the garlic and ginger (if using). Have all the vegetables ready near your stovetop.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it is shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Stir-fry the beef quickly for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet if needed. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Add Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats all the ingredients. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Serve: Serve the Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry immediately over hot cooked white rice or brown rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and satisfying Classic Pepper Steak Stir-Fry!