Easy Pepper Steak Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that won't keep you in the kitchen all night? Look no further! This easy pepper steak recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish made incredibly simple.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking.
- 1 lb. flank steak or sirloin steak: Choose a cut that's known for its tenderness and flavor. Flank steak is a budget-friendly option that's perfect for this recipe. Sirloin is a slightly more tender alternative.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and complements the savory steak beautifully.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides a nice crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds another layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: The base of our flavorful sauce.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds depth.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami kick.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
Instructions for Pepper Steak Perfection:
Marinate (Optional but Recommended):
For extra tender and flavorful steak, consider marinating it for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) before cooking. Simply combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a bowl and add the steak.
Stir-frying the Steak and Vegetables:
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Stir-fry the steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Combine and simmer: Return the steak to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly (about 1-2 minutes).
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious pepper steak immediately over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra visual appeal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad.
- Leftovers: Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This easy pepper steak recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy cooking!
