Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a classic stir-fry dish that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions. Cooked in a savory soy-based sauce with garlic and ginger, this meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/2 cup beef broth or water

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth or water. Set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef slices, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

4. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, stir-fry until tender-crisp.

5. Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

6. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrients (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Sodium: 800 mg

The Perfect Cut of Beef for Stir-Fry

Choosing the right beef cut is essential for achieving tender, juicy results in a stir-fry like pepper steak. Cuts such as sirloin or flank steak are ideal because they are flavorful, relatively lean, and can be sliced thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Thin slicing helps the beef cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that it remains soft rather than tough or chewy.

The beef’s natural umami complements the fresh vegetables and sauce, and its protein content makes the dish hearty enough to satisfy as a main course. Proper seasoning and quick cooking over high heat are key to locking in flavor and moisture.

Bell Peppers and Onions: Color and Crunch

Bell peppers bring a burst of color, sweetness, and crunch to the dish, balancing the richness of the beef. Their natural sugars caramelize slightly during cooking, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor. Using a mix of bell pepper colors—red, yellow, green, or orange—enhances the visual appeal, making the dish inviting and vibrant.

Onions add sweetness and a subtle sharpness that rounds out the taste profile. When cooked until tender-crisp, they provide a satisfying bite that contrasts nicely with the softness of the beef and the tender texture of the peppers. Together, these vegetables contribute important vitamins and fiber, making the dish both nutritious and flavorful.

Aromatic Garlic and Ginger: Building Flavor Foundations

Garlic and ginger are classic aromatics in Asian-inspired stir-fries, providing a fragrant, savory backbone to the dish. Minced garlic delivers a pungent, slightly spicy note, while fresh ginger adds warmth and a subtle peppery brightness. These ingredients are sautéed briefly to release their essential oils, infusing the oil and vegetables with flavor that permeates the entire dish.

Their inclusion not only elevates the taste but also adds health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, enhancing the dish’s nutritional value beyond basic sustenance.

Savory Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

The sauce is where all the ingredients come together, bringing harmony to the dish. Made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth, it delivers a rich umami flavor that enhances both the meat and vegetables. Soy sauce contributes saltiness and depth, oyster sauce adds sweetness and complexity, while beef broth provides a savory base that ties the components together.

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce a glossy finish that clings to the beef and vegetables, ensuring each bite is flavorful and well-coated. This sauce is flavorful yet balanced, making the dish approachable and satisfying without being overly salty or heavy.

The Art of Stir-Frying: Quick and Healthy Cooking

Stir-frying is a technique that uses high heat and rapid movement to cook ingredients quickly, preserving their texture, color, and nutrients. In pepper steak, this method ensures that the beef remains tender and the vegetables retain a slight crunch, avoiding overcooking.

The sequence of cooking—first searing the beef, then sautéing the aromatics, followed by the vegetables, and finally combining all with the sauce—is designed to maximize flavor and texture. Using vegetable oil with a high smoke point helps achieve this without burning or smoking excessively.

Pairing Suggestions

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the savory sauce and balances the dish’s intensity. Alternatively, serving it with noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, creates a more substantial meal with complementary textures.

For a lighter option, pair with steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli to add freshness and crunch. Including a side of pickled vegetables or a crisp salad can introduce acidity and help cleanse the palate between bites.

Nutritional Overview

This dish provides a balanced meal with a good amount of protein from the beef, moderate carbohydrates from vegetables and rice or noodles, and healthy fats from the cooking oil. The inclusion of fresh vegetables contributes fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants essential for overall health.

Sodium content can be moderately high due to soy sauce and oyster sauce; however, this can be adjusted by using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing added salt. The dish’s fat content mainly comes from the oil used for stir-frying and the natural fat in the beef.

Tips for Preparing the Best Pepper Steak

Slicing the beef thinly and against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Drying the meat before cooking helps achieve a good sear, which locks in juices. Preparing all ingredients before starting the cooking process ensures a smooth, quick stir-fry.

Controlling heat is important—high enough to sear without burning. Stirring continuously promotes even cooking and prevents sticking. Adding the sauce towards the end and cooking until just thickened ensures the vegetables remain crisp.

Conclusion

Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings together tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce in perfect harmony. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a visually appealing and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

This classic stir-fry showcases the versatility and healthfulness of simple, fresh ingredients cooked with care and balanced seasoning. Whether served over rice or noodles, it is a dish that appeals to all ages and palates, making it an excellent choice for busy households and entertaining alike.

Adding this recipe to your website offers readers an easy-to-follow, wholesome meal idea that combines convenience with the rich traditions of stir-fry cooking. Its combination of speed, flavor, and nutrition ensures it will become a favorite for those seeking both deliciousness and health in their daily meals.