There’s something about a sizzling skillet of pepper steak that just spells comfort and delight, especially after a long day. It’s like the culinary version of your favorite playlist, combining tender strips of beef with a medley of colorful peppers and a savory sauce that dances on your taste buds—think of it as a cozy evening wrapped in flavors. Whether you’ve had a day as hectic as a New York minute or as slow as a Sunday morning, this dish somehow makes everything feel alright, even if just for a moment.
Steps
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the red and green bell pepper strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and increase the heat to high. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the steak is lightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds. Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, 1/4 cup water, and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Pour this sauce mixture over the steak and peppers in the pan.
- Bring the contents of the pan to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve the pepper steak stir fry hot, ideally over a bowl of steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided use
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, sliced thinly
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1108kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 128g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 340mg | Sodium: 2748mg | Potassium: 2512mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 4160IU | Vitamin C: 247.6mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 11.2mg
FAQ
- What types of bell peppers can I use in pepper steak stir fry?
- You can use any color of bell pepper in your pepper steak stir fry. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are generally sweeter than green ones. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference.
- Which cut of meat is best for pepper steak?
- Flank steak is commonly used due to its availability and flavor. However, sirloin or round steak can also be excellent alternatives if preferred or more accessible.
- How can I slice the steak more easily for this dish?
- To make slicing easier, partially freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes. This firms up the meat, allowing you to achieve thin slices more easily.
- Can I cook the steak in the oven instead of on the stove?
- Yes, you can cook the steak in the oven, although it won’t develop the same seared brown crust. Bake it in an ovenproof pan for up to 15 minutes, stirring halfway, depending on your desired level of doneness.
- What can I serve with pepper steak stir fry?
- Pepper steak stir fry can be served over steamed rice for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own if you prefer a lighter option.
Tips
- Slice with Ease: To achieve thin slices of steak, partially freeze the meat for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the steak, making it easier to cut into even slices.
- Customize Your Peppers: While red and green bell peppers are commonly used, feel free to use any color you prefer. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter than green ones, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your taste.
- Oven Cooking Option: If you prefer to cook the steak in the oven, use an oven-proof pan and bake for up to 15 minutes. Remember to stir halfway through to prevent the meat from drying out and ensure even cooking.
- Serve with Versatility: This dish is delicious served over steamed rice, but it can also be enjoyed on its own for a low-carb option.
Equipment
- Large Pan or Wok: A large pan or wok is essential for stir-frying to ensure even cooking of the ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: A high-quality chef’s knife or slicing knife to thinly slice the flank steak.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board for preparing the vegetables and meat.
- Small Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for preparing and holding ingredients like the soy sauce mixture.
- Garlic Press: Useful if you don’t have minced garlic and prefer to mince fresh garlic quickly.
- Ginger Grater: If you don’t have pre-minced ginger, a ginger grater could be handy for fresh ginger.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional, for ensuring the steak is cooked to your preferred doneness.
- fry dishes.
