This pepper steak recipe with bell peppers and onions is a savory and satisfying dish combining tender beef and crisp vegetables, all coated in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special family dinner, this stir-fry offers a delightful blend of Asian-inspired flavors with the sweetness of bell peppers and the sharpness of onions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced steak and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, and water.
- Return the steak to the skillet, pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, and stir to combine.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutrients (per serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: 80% of daily value (from bell peppers)
Enjoy this deliciously balanced and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Exploring the Culinary Delight of Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions
The pepper steak recipe with bell peppers and onions is a harmonious blend of simplicity and culinary sophistication. This dish, rooted in the art of stir-frying, captures the essence of Asian-inspired flavors while remaining accessible and adaptable for home cooks. It’s a savory masterpiece that combines tender beef with crisp vegetables, wrapped in a glossy, flavorful sauce. Beyond its undeniable appeal, this dish also offers a canvas for creative cooking, making it a favorite for both busy weeknight dinners and special family meals.
The Appeal of Pepper Steak
Pepper steak is a dish with universal charm. Its main attraction lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Thinly sliced flank steak provides the perfect texture, becoming tender and juicy when cooked quickly at high heat. Meanwhile, the vibrant bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and color, while onions introduce sharpness and depth to the flavor profile.
This dish thrives on balance: the interplay of savory and sweet, tender and crisp, and the boldness of spices against the subtleness of the sauce. These contrasts make it a feast for both the palate and the eyes, inviting diners to savor every bite.
A Dish with Versatile Potential
One of the pepper steak recipe’s most notable attributes is its versatility. While the classic version includes flank steak, bell peppers, and onions, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or personal taste. Consider the following variations:
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute beef with chicken, pork, tofu, or even shrimp for a different spin on the dish. Each protein type brings its own unique flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to the mix. This not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds more texture and color.
- Sauce Tweaks: The sauce can be customized by adding chili paste for heat, sesame oil for nuttiness, or rice vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Serving Styles: While traditionally served over steamed rice, you can pair this dish with noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a modern twist.
The Role of Ingredients in Flavor Building
Every ingredient in this recipe contributes to its complex flavor profile.
- Flank Steak: Known for its rich, beefy flavor, flank steak is an ideal choice for stir-frying. Its thin slices absorb the sauce, ensuring every bite is infused with seasoning.
- Bell Peppers: These colorful vegetables not only brighten the dish visually but also lend a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Onions: A crucial flavor enhancer, onions bring a slight sharpness and become sweeter when sautéed.
- Garlic: Often considered a cornerstone of Asian cooking, garlic provides a robust, aromatic foundation.
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces form the backbone of the dish’s umami-rich flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while oyster sauce introduces a subtle, oceanic sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Just a hint of sugar creates a perfect counterpoint to the soy and oyster sauces, tying the flavors together harmoniously.
- Black Pepper: The peppery heat complements the sweetness of the bell peppers, giving the dish its signature name and spice.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
Success with this recipe lies in mastering a few essential cooking techniques:
- Preparation is Key: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a quick process, and having everything within arm’s reach ensures a seamless workflow.
- High Heat Cooking: Use high heat to sear the steak and vegetables. This technique locks in the beef’s juices and gives the vegetables a slight char, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Timing Matters: Avoid overcooking the steak or vegetables. The steak should remain tender, and the vegetables should retain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, the optional cornstarch slurry is an excellent addition. Stirring it in toward the end creates a silky, glossy coating that clings beautifully to the steak and vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only a flavor-packed delight but also a nutritional powerhouse. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, providing a significant portion of your daily intake. The lean flank steak offers high-quality protein, while the dish’s overall moderate calorie content makes it a balanced meal option. By incorporating more vegetables or swapping the base for a healthier alternative like quinoa, you can further enhance its health benefits.
Why This Dish Stands Out
Pepper steak with bell peppers and onions stands out for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its universal appeal ensures that it will be a hit with family and friends, even those with picky tastes.
- Customizable: From ingredient swaps to sauce enhancements, this dish can be tailored to suit any palate or occasion.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and onions create a visually appealing presentation that makes the dish feel special.
Conclusion
The pepper steak recipe with bell peppers and onions is a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. It’s a dish that brings people together, offering a comforting yet exciting dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. Its adaptability and quick preparation make it perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a festive gathering. By mastering this recipe, you’re not just cooking a meal—you’re creating a culinary experience that delights and nourishes in equal measure.
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Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions
Description
This pepper steak recipe with bell peppers and onions is a savory and satisfying dish combining tender beef and crisp vegetables, all coated in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special family dinner, this stir-fry offers a delightful blend of Asian-inspired flavors with the sweetness of bell peppers and the sharpness of onions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced steak and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, and water.
- Return the steak to the skillet, pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, and stir to combine.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
