Pepper Steak
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Pepper Steak is a quick and tasty recipe that’s full of bold flavors! Juicy steak strips are stir-fried with peppers and coated in a rich, savory sauce. Pair it with rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in no time!

We love to have a hearty supper packed with flavor on a busy weeknight to keep us all going. This Pepper Steak recipe is sure to keep you full and on the move.
Perfectly saucy steak and veggies over a starch like white or brown rice, chow mein noodles or egg noodles pack so much flavor into every bite, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Minimal prep time and cook time mean you have more time to help the kids with homework, get them from activity to activity or maybe have a minute to yourself.
Why You’ll love this Recipe
- This delicious steak and veggie dish comes together in only 30 minutes so it is perfect for a busy weeknight.
- This beef stir-fry recipe is full of flavor and color, and can be a full meal when served over rice or noodles.
- This dish tastes just like takeout but is easier on the wallet!
Ingredients for Pepper Steak
- Onion – Yellow or white onions are the best option here.
- Bell peppers – We use green and red to add a mix of flavor and color.
- Olive oil – Gives a nice flavor to sautéed veggies.
- Steak – We use a round or sirloin steak and slice it very thin.
- Soy sauce – A great base to the sauce and offers that umami flavor we all love.
- White sugar – Will add a bit of caramelization to your steak and sweetness in the sauce.
- Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce and stick seasoning onto the steak.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper.
- Honey – You’ll get a nice hint of sweetness in the sauce.
What steak is best for pepper steak?
We recommend a thinly sliced round or sirloin steak. Flank steak or skirt steak can also make this meal so tasty.
Helpful Tools
How to make pepper steak
Slice beef and vegetables and set aside separately.
Mix soy sauce, corn starch, white sugar and seasonings in a small bowl.
Pour mixture over the steak in a bowl and stir until well coated.
Whisk soy sauce, honey, cornstarch and sugar together for glaze and set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet and cook vegetables for 3-5 minutes, until peppers and onion are soft. Remove veggies from the pan and set aside.
Heat remaining oil in the same skillet and add steak, cooking for 5-7 minutes, until starting to brown.
Add the vegetables and glaze mixture into the pan with the steak, stir until combined. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the glaze starts to thicken. Remove from heat.
Serve over rice or noodles.
Pro Tips
- Add a little extra flavor to each bite by garnishing every bowl with some chopped green onion and sesame seeds.
- Make a double batch and use extras to make Steak Fried Rice later in the week.
How do you make pepper steak sauce
Pepper steak stir fry sauce is a very simple sauce made from soy sauce, honey, cornstarch and sugar. Simply wisk all of the ingredients together until well incorporated and pour onto the steak and veggies when they are ready to be topped.
What to serve with pepper steak
Pepper steak is a pretty full meal on it’s own, but you can always add an extra side of noodles like this Panda Express Copycat or maybe an extra veggie dish like Roasted Broccoli.
You can’t forget dessert! Chocolate Caramel Brownies use a box cake mix to make it super simple, or maybe you can entice the kids to help make amazingly salty and sweet Rolo Pretzels.
How to store leftovers
Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Steak and veggies can be stored separately from your starch, or together in the same container.
how to reheat leftovers
Reheat leftover pepper steak on the stove top or in the microwave. Add a little bit of water to the pan or dish, to add some moisture.
This easy beef pepper steak recipe is sure to be one you make time and time again. Juicy tender steak and perfectly cooked veggies make this so enjoyable for everyone. Switch up your base between rice and noodles and it is sure to be a family favorite in no time.
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More great steak recipes
- A great way to repurpose leftover steak and rice is by making Steak Fried Rice.
- Asian Steak Kabobs are covered a sticky sweet marinade and are great on the grill on a summer’s day! These are great as an appetizer at your next cookout, too.
- Steak and Potatoes in 30 minutes? Tossed in garlic butter, this is a really flavorful meal.
- These Griddle Steaks have really been a life saver when we want restaurant quality steaks at home without firing up the grill.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Pepper Steak
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided
Steak
- 1 pound round or sirloin steak sliced very thin
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Glaze
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sugar
For Serving
- prepared white rice or pasta for serving
Instructions
- Cut the steak and vegetables; set aside in separate dishes.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together the soy sauce, corn starch, white sugar, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the steak in the bowl and stir until all the steak is coated.
- Whisk all ingredients for your glaze together in small mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet; heat 1 Tablespoon of oil over medium high heat. Add in the vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers and onion are soft. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same skillet over medium high heat. Add the steak to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes until starting to brown.
- Add the vegetables and glaze mixture into the pan with the steak and stir until combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the glaze starts to thicken. Remove from heat.
- Serve over white rice or noodles.
Linda C says
Delicious recipe. I added this one to my favorites and printed it as well. Easy to prepare.
Julie Evink says
I’m so happy to hear Linda!