30-Minute Better-Than-Takeout Beef Pepper Steak Recipe | Restaurant-Quality Results
This 30-minute beef pepper steak recipe offers restaurant-quality results and a perfect balance of savory depth with just a hint of sweetness. It’s the ideal homemade alternative to Chinese takeout, featuring tender beef and colorful peppers in a glossy sauce.
- Author: Maya Herrera
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
- 1¼ pounds flank steak
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- Salt and black pepper
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips about ¼-inch thick, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the cores from the peppers and slice them into strips about ½-inch wide.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Cook the Peppers: Heat a teaspoon of oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, stir-fry the pepper strips for about 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
- Cook the Beef: In the same pan, add the remaining oil, spread out the beef slices, and cook for about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring for about 30 seconds.
- Combine and Finish: Add the peppers back to the pan, whisk the sauce briefly, pour it over everything, and stir as it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve immediately over white rice.
Notes
- Freezer friend: Partially freeze the steak for easier slicing.
- Order matters: Cook peppers first, then beef.
- Prep before you start: Have ingredients ready before cooking.
- Give everything space: Cook in batches if needed.
- Sauce control: Adjust thickness with water or cornstarch as needed.
Keywords: pepper steak, beef stir-fry, quick dinner, Chinese-American, homemade Chinese food