🥩 Pepper Steak with Onions & Bell Peppers
Flavor profile
Savory • slightly sweet • garlicky • restaurant-style glossy sauce
⏱ Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 10–12 minutes
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Total: ~25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients (serves 3–4)
Beef
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1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp oil
Vegetables
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1 large onion, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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Optional: green onions or chili slices
Sauce
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¼ cup beef broth (or water)
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional but great)
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1 tsp sugar or honey
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1 tsp cornstarch
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½ tsp black pepper (add more if you like it bold)
Aromatics
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
Cooking
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
🔪 Prep Tips (important!)
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Slice beef against the grain into thin strips — this keeps it tender.
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If the beef feels tough, freeze it for 15 minutes before slicing.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the beef
In a bowl, combine:
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Beef
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp oil
Mix well and rest 10 minutes.
👉 This creates that silky restaurant texture.
2. Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Beef broth
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Soy sauce
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Oyster sauce
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Hoisin sauce
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Sugar
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Black pepper
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1 tsp cornstarch
Set aside.
3. Sear the beef
Heat a wok or heavy skillet over high heat.
Add 1 tbsp oil.
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Add beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
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Sear 30–45 seconds per side
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Remove beef and set aside
⚠️ Don’t overcook here — it finishes later.
4. Stir-fry vegetables
In the same pan, add remaining oil.
Add:
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Onion
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Bell peppers
Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Add garlic and ginger — cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Bring it together
Return beef to the pan.
Pour in sauce and toss everything together.
Cook 1–2 minutes, until:
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Sauce thickens
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Beef is glossy and coated
Taste and adjust:
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More soy = saltier
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More sugar = sweeter
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More pepper = bolder
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Over steamed white rice
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With fried rice
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Over noodles
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Low-carb: cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps
🔥 Pro Tips
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High heat = best flavor
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Don’t overcrowd the pan
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Want spicy? Add chili oil or crushed red pepper
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Want extra sauce? Double the sauce ingredients
🔄 Variations
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Chicken version: Swap beef for chicken thigh
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Mushroom boost: Add sliced mushrooms
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Asian steakhouse vibe: Finish with sesame oil
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Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos
