What ingredients are in pepper steak?

A traditional pepper steak recipe includes thin-sliced beef (typically flank or sirloin), bell peppers, onion, garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Some versions add beef broth, oyster sauce, or sugar for extra depth. Optional ingredients like ginger, mushrooms, or sesame oil can also be used depending on your taste or the regional style you're following.

What is the best cut of meat for pepper steak?

The best cuts for a pepper steak recipe are flank steak, sirloin, or top round. Flank steak is the most popular due to its lean texture and flavor, especially when sliced thin against the grain. Sirloin works well too and has a slightly higher fat content, making it juicier. Round steak is budget-friendly but needs a longer marinade to stay tender.

What goes with pepper steak?

Common sides for a pepper steak recipe include steamed white rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, mashed potatoes, or stir-fried vegetables. For lighter options, consider cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh cucumber salad. These sides help balance the dish’s bold flavor and provide a satisfying, complete meal.

How to cook peppered steak?

To make a proper pepper steak recipe , first marinate thin-sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and pepper. Stir-fry the beef over high heat until just browned, then set aside. Sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers, then return the beef to the pan. Add your sauce mix and let everything simmer until thick and glossy. Serve hot over your preferred side.

Pepper Steak Recipe: 5 Juicy Tips for Bold Flavor

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb flank steak, sliced thin against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oil (canola or peanut)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1/4 cup beef broth
Optional: 1 tsp oyster sauce
Optional: 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

In a bowl, combine sliced steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add beef in batches. Sear 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Stir-frying beef and vegetables for bold pepper steak flavor
Add garlic to pan and stir for 30 seconds.
Toss in bell peppers and onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Return beef to pan. Add beef broth and optional sauce ingredients.
Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Use high heat and avoid crowding the pan.
Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

Author: chef Nada
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Pepper steak recipe, stir-fry beef, Chinese pepper steak