Pepper Steak Stir-Fry with Onions & Bell Peppers

This restaurant-style Pepper Steak Stir-Fry features tender beef, crisp bell peppers, sweet onions, and a rich savory sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect served over steamed rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1½ lbs (680 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1–2 red chilies, sliced (optional)

Stir-Fry Sauce

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper

Cornstarch Slurry

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Whisk together all the stir-fry sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
4. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan.
5. Add the remaining oil, then sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
7. Return the beef to the skillet.
8. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well.
9. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10. Stir in the green onions and optional red chilies.
11. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Fried rice
• Egg noodles
• Lo mein
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Nut Information

Contains Nuts? No.

Tree Nuts: None.

Peanuts: None.

Allergy Note: This recipe is naturally nut-free. However, always check the labels on soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and other packaged ingredients if cooking for someone with severe nut allergies, as manufacturing practices vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best cut of beef for this recipe?
A: Sirloin, flank steak, ribeye, or strip steak all work well.

Q: How do I make the beef extra tender?
A: Slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it with cornstarch and soy sauce before cooking.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes. Add extra fresh chilies, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or baby corn are excellent additions.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free oyster and hoisin sauces.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Marinate the beef and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Stir-fry just before serving for the best texture.