Pepper Steak with Onions

Name: Pepper Steak with Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 500 g sirloin steak (thinly sliced against the grain into bite-sized strips); 2 pcs bell pepper (medium, one red and one green, sliced into strips); 1 pcs onion (large, sliced into half-moons); 4 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 inch ginger (fresh, grated); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp cornstarch; 0.5 cup water (for the sauce slurry); 2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, divided); 1 pinch salt; 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola, for stir-frying); 1 tsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar

RATING

4.6/5(98)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Tender strips of seared beef steak cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions in a glossy, savory brown sauce. This classic American-style dish comes together in one pan and delivers bold peppery flavor balanced with just a touch of sweetness from the sautéed onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice or mashed potatoes.

PREP

15m

COOK

15m

SERVES

1 CUP

343 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Season the steak strips.
1.Pat the sliced sirloin steak strips completely dry with paper towels.
2.Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of the freshly ground black pepper and the pinch of salt.
3.Toss well so each strip is evenly coated and set aside.
mix
Make the sauce slurry.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and rice vinegar.
2.Sprinkle in the cornstarch and whisk again until completely smooth with no lumps.
3.Set the sauce near the stove.
fry
Sear the beef in batches.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
2.Add half the beef strips in a single layer and let them sear without moving for 1 minute.
3.Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until browned. Transfer to a clean plate.
4.Repeat with the remaining beef strips.
TIPWork in batches so the pan stays hot; crowding the pan steams the meat instead of searing it.
saute
Sauté the peppers and onions.
1.Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet.
2.Add the sliced onion and bell pepper strips. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they just begin to soften at the edges.
3.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
TIPKeep the vegetables slightly crisp — they will continue cooking in the sauce.
simmer · ~2 min
Finish the dish in the sauce.
1.Return the seared beef and any resting juices to the skillet with the vegetables.
2.Give the sauce slurry a quick stir and pour it evenly over the beef and peppers.
3.Toss everything together and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the meat, about 2 minutes.
serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer the pepper steak and glossy sauce to a serving platter. Serve hot over steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender bite.
2
Pat the beef completely dry before seasoning for a better sear.
3
Cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
4
Cut bell peppers and onions into uniform strips for even cooking.
5
Stir the cornstarch slurry just before adding it to prevent lumps.
6
For extra flavor, let the beef rest for 2 minutes after searing.
7
Taste the sauce before simmering and add a pinch more salt if needed.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

low oil

Low-oil

Use a non-stick pan and reduce oil to 1 tablespoon, searing the beef in a single layer without additional fat for the vegetables—they'll soften in the sauce.

high protein

High-protein

Replace half the bell peppers with sliced mushrooms and add 200g of extra sirloin strips for a protein-dense meal.

jain

Jain

Omit the garlic, ginger, and onion. Use asafoetida (hing) for a similar aromatic base and swap soy sauce with tamari if gluten-free is needed.

vegan

Vegan

Substitute beef with 400g of firm tofu (pressed and sliced) or seitan, and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Sear tofu in oil until golden before proceeding.

spicy

Spicy

Add 1-2 sliced bird's eye chilies or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a fiery kick.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Iron

Beef sirloin provides heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and supports healthy blood cells.

✓

High in Vitamin C

Red and green bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and aids collagen production.

✓

Good Source of Protein

Each serving of sirloin delivers a solid dose of lean protein to support muscle repair and satiety.

✓

Low in Added Sugar

Only one teaspoon of brown sugar is used for the entire dish, making it a moderate option for balanced meals.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

Beef becomes tough if overcooked or sliced with the grain. Slice against the grain and sear quickly over high heat for no more than 2-3 minutes total.