Let me tell you, if there’s one dish I’ve made more times than I can count, it’s this pepper steak recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table before I even call them. You don’t need a special occasion, just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of love stirred in.
I know how chaotic weeknights can be—homework on the counter, laundry still running, and that never-ending question: “What’s for dinner?” This recipe is my go-to answer. It comes together quickly, uses just one pan, and still tastes like something you worked on all day.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step, from picking the right cut of beef to getting that perfect glossy sauce. I’ll also share a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way (you know, the kind only someone who’s made it a hundred times would know). So grab your skillet and let’s make something delicious that everyone around your table will remember.
Why This Pepper Steak Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Dinner Rotation
If you’re anything like me, you love recipes that come together fast but still feel special when they hit the table. That’s exactly what this pepper steak recipe delivers. It’s that kind of dish you can make on a weeknight without feeling rushed, but it still brings big flavor that makes everyone go quiet after the first bite (you know the moment I’m talking about!).
Here’s why this one’s a keeper — and why it’s been on repeat in my kitchen for years:
Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
The tender steak and sweet peppers make this a dinner even the little ones enjoy. No complicated flavors — just that savory, saucy goodness everyone digs into.
Quick and easy to make
This easy pepper steak recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, with just one pan. Perfect when time’s tight but you still want something hot and homemade.
Great for any occasion
Whether it’s Tuesday night or you’ve got friends popping by, this dish fits right in. Pair it with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes — it adapts to what you have.
Customizable to your taste
Want it a little spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes. Craving a pepper steak stir fry recipe vibe? Toss in extra veggies like broccoli or snap peas. It’s your call, and it always works.
Works with your schedule
If you prefer hands-off cooking, you can turn this into a pepper steak recipe crock pot version or try the pepper steak recipe instant pot method. It’s flexible and forgiving — just how dinner should be.
Crowd-pleasing flavor
The glossy sauce with garlic, soy, and just a hint of sweetness wraps around every bite. It’s rich, savory, and oh-so satisfying — exactly what a good beef pepper steak recipe should taste like.
It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings. It’s warm, filling, and feels like something you made with care — because you did.
Let’s head to the next step and gather everything you need to bring it to life.
Pepper Steak Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start sizzling, let’s lay everything out. This pepper steak recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together in the most flavorful way. Nothing fancy—just what you need to make a meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day (even if dinner’s done in half an hour).
Basic Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
Slicing the beef this way helps it stay tender while cooking quickly, just the way you want it in a stir-fry. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Helps lock in the juices and gives that velvety texture once the sauce thickens up. - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
Adds depth and savory flavor—use half for marinating the beef and half for the sauce. - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Brings a rich, slightly sweet finish to the sauce. Think of it as the secret to that glossy restaurant-style glaze. - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Balances the salty notes and gives the sauce a warm, mellow sweetness. - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Brings brightness and a little zing to every bite. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Adds savory depth—don’t skip it! - 1 tablespoon mild cooking oil (such as canola or avocado)
Used to sear the beef and build those golden, flavorful edges in the pan. - 3 bell peppers (any colors), sliced into strips
These add crunch, color, and a slightly sweet bite that plays perfectly with the savory sauce. - ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
Helps make the sauce rich and pourable while keeping the saltiness in check. - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Gives the dish its signature flavor and gentle heat. - 2 green onions, sliced
Sprinkle these on at the end for a fresh, slightly sharp pop of flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Want a little kick? This adds just enough heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms – Adds a hearty texture and extra earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil – Stir in at the very end for a warm, nutty finish.
Pro Tip: Want to mix things up?
• For a Chinese pepper steak recipe, add a splash of hoisin sauce and a pinch of five-spice powder.
• Craving a Jamaican pepper steak recipe twist? Add a bit of allspice and use red and green peppers for a colorful Caribbean flair.
• Making a pepper steak recipe crock pot style? Use slightly thicker beef slices to hold up during longer cooking.
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s head to the stove and bring it all together.
How to Make This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe Step-by-Step
Ready to cook? This is where the magic happens—and don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. You’ll be building flavor layer by layer, all in one skillet. By the end, your kitchen will smell incredible, and dinner will be ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1- Coat the beef
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced steak with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until every piece is lightly coated. This helps lock in moisture and gives a lovely texture once it hits the pan.
2- Get your skillet hot
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Wait until the surface shimmers slightly—that’s your cue that the pan is hot enough.
3- Sear the beef in batches
Add the steak in a single layer (don’t overcrowd), and let it sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a nice brown crust. Flip and cook the other side for another minute. Set the cooked pieces aside, then continue with the rest of the beef until it’s all browned.
4- Sauté the aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. Toss the garlic and ginger into the same pan and let them wake up the flavors. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant—but don’t let them brown.
5- Add the peppers
Toss in the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for about 4 minutes. You’re aiming for tender-crisp, with just a touch of char at the edges.
6- Build the sauce
Pour in the broth, remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and scrape up any browned bits from the pan—they carry all the flavor!
7- Return the beef and simmer
Slide the seared steak back into the pan along with any juices. Stir gently to coat in the sauce. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes until the sauce turns rich and coats everything nicely.
Troubleshooting Tip: If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth. If the sauce feels a little too loose, just let it cook uncovered for a minute or two longer until it tightens up.
8- Finish and serve
Turn off the heat. Fold in the green onions and drizzle in the sesame oil, if using, for a flavorful finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it hot over your favorite rice or grain.
That’s it! You’ve just made a meal that looks fancy, tastes amazing, and didn’t take all night. Let’s talk chef tips and simple ways to personalize this recipe even more.
Pepper Steak Recipe Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations
Once you’ve made this pepper steak recipe once or twice, you’ll start to find your own rhythm with it. That’s the fun part—adding little twists, skipping steps that don’t suit your day, or swapping in flavors your family loves most. Here are some tried-and-true tips from my own kitchen, plus a few easy variations to keep things exciting.
Handy Tips from the Skillet
Slice it right: Always cut the steak against the grain—this keeps the texture tender and easy to chew. A sharp knife makes a big difference here.
Dry the beef before cooking: If your steak is holding too much moisture, it won’t sear properly. Pat it dry with a paper towel before tossing it with cornstarch.
Don’t crowd the pan: Give each strip of beef some breathing room so it browns instead of steaming. Cook in batches if you need to.
Give the sauce a quick taste before serving—each brand of soy sauce or broth can vary a bit. If it’s too salty, add a splash of water. Not savory enough? A tiny dash more oyster sauce usually does the trick.
Fun Flavor Twists
- Want that takeout feel?
Add a pinch of five-spice and use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce for a flavor like your favorite Chinese pepper steak recipe. - Craving more heat?
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a little chili paste while the sauce simmers. - Slow things down?
Make it a slow cooker pepper steak recipe: layer beef, sauce, and peppers in the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken it. - Love pressure cookers?
For a pepper steak recipe instant pot version, use the sauté function to brown the beef and aromatics, then pressure cook for 7 minutes with the sauce. Finish by thickening on sauté mode. - Switch up the veggies:
Try mixing in veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas—they bring variety and a nice mix of crunch and flavor.
However you spin it, this recipe holds up beautifully. That’s the joy of a great skillet meal—it adapts to you.
Let’s talk about some simple sides and serving ideas to make your pepper steak meal complete.
What to Serve with Pepper Steak: Simple and Delicious Ideas
One of the best parts about this pepper steak recipe is how easy it is to make it feel like something special with just a few simple touches. Whether it’s dinner with the family or you’re plating it for guests, these ideas help you bring it to the table with a little extra love.
What to Serve It With
Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
A classic pairing that soaks up every drop of that glossy sauce.
Garlic butter mashed potatoes
This adds a cozy, comfort food twist—surprisingly good with the savory steak.
Stir-fried noodles
Add your cooked noodles straight into the pan for a quick, saucy stir-fry twist.
Vegetable fried rice
Double up on color and texture while turning it into a full-on takeout-style plate.
Stuffed in lettuce cups
A fun and hands-on dinner idea, especially if you’re sharing with little ones.
Over quinoa or brown rice
Adds a nice texture and makes the meal feel hearty and well-rounded.
This dish is also great as a make-ahead lunch or dinner party centerpiece—no stress, just great flavor.
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them just as tasty the next day.
Best Ways to Store and Reheat Your Pepper Steak Leftovers
If your family doesn’t polish off the skillet (which sometimes happens around here, but not often!), this pepper steak recipe stores beautifully and reheats like a dream.
How to Store
In the fridge:
Once it’s cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
In the freezer:
Portion the steak and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat to save space. It’ll last about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it defrost in the fridge overnight before warming it up.
Reheating Tips
Stovetop method:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth or water to help bring the sauce back to life. Stir gently until it’s heated through.
Microwave method:
Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 60-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid overcooking the steak.
Avoid drying it out:
Keep a little extra sauce or broth handy when reheating—it helps restore the texture and keeps it just as saucy as day one.
That’s all it takes to keep the flavor going strong—even after the skillet’s been cleaned.
More Beef Recipes You May Love
If you enjoyed this pepper steak recipe, here are a few more hearty, flavorful beef dishes you might want to try next:
- Steak Pizzaiola Recipe – Tender steak simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce.
- Brisket Chili Recipe – A bold and comforting dish packed with deep, savory flavor.
- Rib Eye Roast Recipe – Perfect for special dinners and weekend gatherings.
- Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes – Hands-off meals with tons of cozy flavor.
- Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe – Sweet, savory, and ready in no time.
- Hawaiian Beef Stew Recipe – A tropical twist on comfort food.
- Wagyu Ground Beef Recipe – Rich and satisfying, with incredible flavor in every bite.
Mouthwatering Pepper Steak Recipe Made Easy
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce divided
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 3 bell peppers sliced
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions sliced
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Toss steak with cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear steak in batches until browned; set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers; stir-fry 4 minutes until slightly charred.
- Stir in broth, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar.
- Return steak and juices to the skillet. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Turn off heat. Stir in green onions and optional sesame oil. Serve hot.
Notes
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy one-pan pepper steak recipe
- Juicy steak cooked with vibrant bell peppers
- Flavorful garlic-soy sauce with a glossy finish
- Flexible: stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot options
- Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
- Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff
Let’s answer a few common questions to make sure you feel totally confident making this at home!
Pepper Steak Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can! Sirloin tip, flat iron, or even top round work well for this pepper steak recipe. Just slice the meat extra thin and let it marinate for about 10 minutes longer to keep it nice and tender.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap out the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari, and double-check that your oyster sauce and beef broth are gluten-free as well. It’s an easy switch that doesn’t change the flavor.
What other vegetables can I use besides bell peppers?
This recipe is flexible. Try tossing in snow peas, sliced zucchini, or broccoli florets. They all hold up well in a stir-fry and add great texture and color.
Does this freeze well?
It sure does. Let the cooked pepper steak cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags. Lay them flat for easy storage. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Is the sauce spicy?
Not as written—it’s mild and balanced. If you like a little heat, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a small spoonful of chili paste while the sauce simmers.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger skillet or a Dutch oven so the beef has space to brown properly. If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of extra broth to keep everything smooth and saucy.
Still curious? You’re almost ready to get cooking—but first, let’s wrap things up with one final note!
Conclusion
There’s just something about a home-cooked skillet meal that brings everyone to the table a little faster, don’t you think? This pepper steak recipe has been a weeknight go-to in my kitchen for years, and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too. It’s quick, comforting, and full of those bold, savory flavors that make dinner feel a little extra special, even on a regular Tuesday.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to share how it turned out—and if you added your own spin, I’d love to hear about it! Your feedback means the world and helps other home cooks find their own version of this dish.
