Pepper Steak Recipe: 7 Simple Steps For Bold Weeknight Flavor
Discover a deliciously simple pepper steak recipe with tender beef, sautéed peppers, and a sweet-savory sauce—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Maria’s Pepper Steak Overview
Maria’s Pepper Steak is a vibrant and flavorful dish that treats your taste buds to a fusion of tender beef slices and colorful bell peppers, all enveloped in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce. Designed for ease and maximum flavor, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This pepper steak comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Bursting with Flavor: The sweet-savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and red wine vinegar delivers complex taste with minimal effort.
- Balanced and Colorful: Bell peppers add crunch, nutrients, and visual appeal, making the dish both wholesome and attractive.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your choice of vegetables or protein for different dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large bell peppers, any color, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds flank steak, cut into thin strips
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked rice or noodles for serving
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Chop the onion and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Mince the garlic. Having all ingredients prepped before cooking ensures a smooth process and the best texture in the finished dish.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, and red wine vinegar. Whisk until well blended. This mixture forms the signature sweet and tangy sauce for the pepper steak.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper strips.
- Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still bright in color. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
4. Brown the Beef
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Increase heat to high.
- Season the steak strips with salt and pepper.
- Cook the steak in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, turning so that all sides are nicely browned but not overcooked (about 2-4 minutes).
5. Add Garlic and Combine
- Add minced garlic to the browned steak and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the sautéed vegetables to the pan.
6. Pour in the Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Stir well to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
7. Serve
- Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success
- Slice steak thinly: Freezing the meat for 20-30 minutes before slicing makes it easier to achieve thin, even strips.
- Cook in batches: Avoid crowding the pan to ensure the steak browns properly, not steams.
- Don’t overcook: Both beef and peppers taste best when still tender but not mushy—keep the cooking time short and the heat high.
What others are reading
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Choices: Substitute sirloin, skirt steak, or even chicken strips for flank steak.
- Vegetable Options: Try adding mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
- Heat Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced hot peppers for a spicy twist.
- Low Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
Note: Values are approximate and can vary by ingredient brands and portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is the classic pairing for pepper steak.
- Noodles: Try serving over stir-fried noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Toppings: Fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds can add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: Slice beef and vegetables the night before and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Store cooked pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Freezing: Cooked pepper steak can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
History and Inspiration
This dish draws inspiration from Chinese-American cuisine, where variations of pepper steak have become beloved family fare. Maria’s version stands out thanks to the delicious balance of sweet honey with tangy red wine vinegar, which elevates the savory soy sauce base. The focus on quick cooking and fresh ingredients is in line with the dish’s origins as a fast, flavorful skillet meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Flank steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, but you can substitute with sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced chuck for good results.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace regular soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative such as tamari.
Do I have to use honey?
No, you can substitute honey with brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup, though the flavor will slightly change.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn all make great additions or substitutions based on what you have on hand.
Is this pepper steak spicy?
Maria’s recipe results in a sweet-savory flavor profile. If you’d like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce or while sautéing the vegetables.
How do I avoid overcooking the steak?
Slice the steak thinly and cook quickly over high heat. Avoid crowding the pan to prevent steaming, which can make the meat tough.
Expert Tips and Final Thoughts
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the sliced steak in a tablespoon of the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Let the cooked steak rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
- Make a double batch to enjoy leftovers for lunch—the flavors deepen as they sit!
Maria’s Pepper Steak is a celebration of bold flavor with minimal fuss: the perfect recipe for both seasoned cooks and beginners. Its adaptability and universal appeal make it a staple meal, sure to satisfy anyone craving a taste of classic comfort with a modern twist.
References
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/54611/marias-pepper-steak/
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/marias-pepper-steak–300685712600868412/
- https://www.saymmm.com/recipe/maria-s-pepper-steak547
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/172704/chinese-pepper-steak/
- https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/pepper-steak-stir-fry/
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