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30-Minute Better-Than-Takeout Beef Pepper Steak Recipe | Restaurant-Quality Results

beef pepper steak recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the cores from the peppers and slice them into strips about ½-inch wide.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook the Beef: In the same pan, add the remaining oil, spread out the beef slices, and cook for about 5-6 minutes.
  6. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring for about 30 seconds.
  7. 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.
  8. 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