The Best Pepper Steak is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe features tender steak combined with crisp bell peppers in a savory soy-based glaze, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its vibrant colors and rich flavor, this meal will surely impress family and friends alike.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Vegetables
- For the Steak
- For the Glaze
- For Garnish
- How to Make The Best Pepper Steak
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Step 2: Marinate the Steak
- Step 3: Make the Glaze
- Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
- Step 5: Cook the Steak
- Step 6: Combine Everything
- Step 7: Serve Hot
- How to Serve The Best Pepper Steak
- Pair with Rice
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Include a Side Salad
- Serve in Bowls
- How to Perfect The Best Pepper Steak
- Best Side Dishes for The Best Pepper Steak
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing The Best Pepper Steak
- Reheating The Best Pepper Steak
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Best Pepper Steak made of?
- Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
- How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
- What side dishes go well with The Best Pepper Steak?
- Can I prepare The Best Pepper Steak ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The savory soy sauce and sweet glaze elevate the taste of the steak and vegetables.
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap out steak for chicken or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences.
- Colorful Presentation: The mix of red and green bell peppers adds a beautiful pop of color to your plate.
- Serve with Style: Pair it with white rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Best Pepper Steak, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Allows you to cook the steak and vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
- Sharp knife: Ensures you can slice the steak thinly for quick cooking.
- Mixing bowls: Helpful for marinating the steak and mixing together the glaze.
Ingredients
For the Vegetables
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (use half red and half green for color)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Steak
- 1 lb. round steak, sirloin, or venison, sliced very thin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Dash of salt and pepper
For the Glaze
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make The Best Pepper Steak
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First, prepare the steak and vegetables by slicing them into thin pieces. Set them aside in separate dishes.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the sliced steak. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In another bowl, combine all glaze ingredients—soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar—and set aside for later use.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced vegetables and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they begin to brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak slices and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour in your prepared glaze and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Remove from heat and serve your delicious Pepper Steak hot over a bed of white rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Pepper Steak
Serving The Best Pepper Steak is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
Pair with Rice
- White Rice: A classic option that soaks up the savory glaze beautifully.
- Fried Rice: Adds texture and flavor, making the meal heartier.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkling fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a nice crunch and color contrast.
Include a Side Salad
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with a vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance.
- Asian Slaw: Crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots can complement the dish wonderfully.
Serve in Bowls
- Individual Bowls: Presenting the steak over rice in bowls makes for a cozy, inviting meal.
- Family Style: Serve everything on a large platter for family-style dining, encouraging sharing.
How to Perfect The Best Pepper Steak
Perfecting The Best Pepper Steak involves attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Marinate the Steak: Allowing the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor significantly.
- Cut Against the Grain: Slicing the steak against the grain ensures tenderness in every bite.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that perfect sear while keeping the meat juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming and allows for browning.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for variety.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Pepper Steak
Pairing side dishes with The Best Pepper Steak can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent choices to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green and nutrient-rich, it adds color and crunch.
- Garlic Noodles: These flavorful noodles complement the savory notes of the steak nicely.
- Mango Salad: A sweet mango salad offers a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors of the dish.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls can serve as a delightful appetizer before your main course.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that still provides bulk and absorbs flavors well.
- Sautéed Snow Peas: Quick-cooked snow peas add freshness and a slight crunch, enhancing texture diversity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing The Best Pepper Steak, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:
- Not slicing the steak thin enough: Thin slices cook faster and absorb flavors better. Use a sharp knife and freeze the steak slightly for easier slicing.
- Using low-quality soy sauce: Good soy sauce enhances the dish’s flavor. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Crisp vegetables add texture. Cook them just until they begin to brown but still retain their crunch.
- Skipping marination time: Marinating the steak enhances flavor. Even 30 minutes in the fridge can make a significant difference.
- Ignoring proper heat levels: Cooking at too low of a temperature can lead to soggy results. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover The Best Pepper Steak in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing The Best Pepper Steak
- If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating The Best Pepper Steak
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Best Pepper Steak made of?
The Best Pepper Steak features tender slices of steak, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory soy-based glaze served over rice.
Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken or even tofu for a delicious variation while maintaining similar flavors.
How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
The steak should be browned and no longer pink inside. A meat thermometer reading 145°F (63°C) ensures it is safely cooked.
What side dishes go well with The Best Pepper Steak?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Can I prepare The Best Pepper Steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice and marinate the steak ahead of time, making weeknight cooking quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
The Best Pepper Steak is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly flavorful and versatile. With options to customize ingredients based on your preference, this dish can easily become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it tonight!
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The Best Pepper Steak
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Savor a delightful culinary adventure with The Best Pepper Steak, an Asian-inspired dish that brings vibrant flavors and colors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. This quick and easy recipe features tender slices of beef stir-fried to perfection with crisp bell peppers, all enveloped in a savory soy-based glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at special occasions, this meal is not only delicious but also versatile—simply swap the beef for chicken or tofu to cater to various dietary preferences. Serve it over fluffy white rice or noodles for a fulfilling dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. round steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red and green), sliced
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare steak and vegetables by slicing them into thin pieces.
- Marinate the steak in a mixture of 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Combine glaze ingredients (3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1.5 tablespoons sugar) in a bowl; set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and sauté the vegetables until browned (about 3-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet; cook marinated steak until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Return vegetables to the skillet; pour in the glaze and stir until thickened (1-2 minutes).
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg