PERFECT PEPPER STEAK WITH ONIONS

Craving that classic, comforting taste of Pepper Steak With Onions, but tired of ordering takeout? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender slices of beef, perfectly complemented by the slight crunch of bell peppers and the sweetness of caramelized onions, all bathed in a luscious, savory sauce. Let’s skip the delivery fees and create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen – I promise, it’s easier than you think!

The Star Players: Your Pepper Steak With Onions Ingredients

Beef

• 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Veggies

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color or a mix), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced (optional, but highly recommended!)

Sauce

• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, adds great depth)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions for Amazing Pepper Steak

Prepping the Beef (Key to Tenderness!)

1. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. This marinade helps tenderize the beef and adds flavor. Don’t skip this step!
2. Toss well to ensure each slice is coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Sautéing the Veggies (Flavor Foundation)

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the veggies.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Caramelizing the onions adds a wonderful sweetness to the dish.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic (and ginger, if using). Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are crisp-tender. You want them to still have a bit of bite.
4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Steak (Quick and Easy)

1. Add a little more vegetable oil to the skillet if needed. Make sure the pan is still hot.
2. Add the marinated steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will cause the steak to steam instead of sear.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside with the vegetables.

Making the Sauce (The Magic Touch)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
2. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Bringing It All Together (The Grand Finale)

1. Add the cooked steak and vegetables back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Time!

1. Serve the Pepper Steak With Onions immediately over cooked white rice.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting: Making Pepper Steak Perfection

Slicing the Steak

Slicing the steak thinly against the grain is crucial for tenderness. The grain refers to the direction the muscle fibers run. Slicing against it shortens those fibers, making the steak easier to chew.

Don’t Overcook the Steak

Overcooked steak is tough and dry. Cook the steak quickly over high heat to sear the outside and keep the inside tender. Remember, it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Sauce Too Thin?

If your sauce isn’t thickening, make sure the cornstarch was fully dissolved before adding it to the skillet. You can also whisk together a little more cornstarch with cold water (a “slurry”) and add it to the sauce while it’s simmering.

Sauce Too Thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more beef broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Spice it Up!

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to your individual serving.

Variations and Twists: Your Pepper Steak, Your Way

Different Vegetables

Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables! Mushrooms, broccoli florets, or even snow peas would be delicious additions to this dish. For a tasty addition, you could try Honey Soy Mushrooms.

Different Protein

While this recipe calls for sirloin steak, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak. You could even try making it with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. If you’re looking for similar recipes with different proteins, you might also enjoy Chinese Beef And Broccoli.

Make it in the Crock Pot

For an even easier version, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You can find a great Pepper Steak Crock Pot recipe online. Be sure to thicken the sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry.

Side Dish Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

Pepper Steak With Onions is delicious served over white rice, but you can also pair it with other side dishes, such as:

• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Noodles
• Steamed broccoli
• Honey Glazed Veggies

Storing and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

Storing

Store leftover Pepper Steak With Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or beef broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Pepper Steak Recipe

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and satisfying Pepper Steak With Onions recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!

Perfect Pepper Steak with Onions

This recipe delivers a classic, comforting pepper steak with tender beef, crisp-tender bell peppers, and sweet caramelized onions, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, offering a delicious alternative to takeout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese-American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers any color or a mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced optional
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

1. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic (and ginger, if using). Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are crisp-tender.
5. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
6. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet if needed. Add the marinated steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
7. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside with the vegetables.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), 1 tbsp cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
9. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
10. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
11. Add the cooked steak and vegetables back into the skillet with the sauce.
12. Toss to coat everything evenly.
13. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
14. Serve immediately over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

Slicing the steak thinly against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Don’t overcook the steak. If the sauce isn’t thickening, make sure the cornstarch was fully dissolved before adding it to the skillet. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more beef broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Store leftover Pepper Steak With Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.