Classic Pepper Steak is a timeless dish that combines tender slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich savory sauce into a satisfying stir fry. Known for its bold flavor and vibrant presentation, this beef stir fry with peppers has become a favorite in kitchens around the world.

Whether served over fluffy white rice or paired with noodles, this easy pepper steak recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners, this dish balances texture, color, and taste in every bite.

Let’s explore how to make the best homemade Chinese pepper steak from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Pepper Steak

There are many reasons why this quick weeknight beef dinner stands out:

Ready in about 35 minutes
Uses simple pantry staples
Full of bold, savory flavor
Colorful and visually appealing
Easily customizable
Perfect for meal prep

The combination of tender beef strips and slightly crisp peppers coated in a glossy sauce makes this dish irresistible.

What Is Classic Pepper Steak?

Classic Pepper Steak is a stir-fry dish typically made with thinly sliced beef (often flank steak or sirloin), bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a savory soy-based sauce. While inspired by Chinese-American cuisine, it has become a household favorite worldwide.

The key to great pepper steak lies in:

Properly slicing the beef
Achieving high-heat searing
Balancing savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ cup beef broth
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Toss the sliced beef with cornstarch until lightly coated. This helps create a silky texture and thickens the sauce later.
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the skillet.
Stir-fry bell peppers and onions for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, and black pepper.
Return beef to skillet and pour sauce over the mixture.
Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

The Secret to Tender Beef

One of the most common concerns when making pepper steak at home is toughness. Follow these tips:

Slice Against the Grain

Look for the direction of muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them.

Use Cornstarch Coating

Cornstarch helps tenderize and create a velvety finish.

Don’t Overcook

High heat and quick cooking keep beef tender and juicy.

Choosing the Best Cut of Beef

For the most flavorful and tender results:

Flank Steak – Lean and ideal for stir fry
Sirloin – Affordable and tender
Ribeye – Rich and flavorful (more indulgent option)

Thin slicing is more important than the specific cut.

Flavor Variations

This homemade Chinese pepper steak can easily be customized:

Spicy Pepper Steak

Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.

Garlic Lover’s Version

Double the garlic for a bolder flavor.

Extra Umami

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Low-Carb Option

Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.

Vegetable-Loaded

Include mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine rice
Brown rice
Egg noodles
Fried rice
Stir-fried vegetables

For a complete meal, serve with a light cucumber salad or steamed dumplings.

Meal Prep and Storage

This dish is excellent for meal prep:

Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (vegetables may soften slightly).
Reheat: Warm in skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals.

Adding a splash of broth while reheating restores moisture.

Nutritional Highlights

Pepper steak provides:

High-quality protein
Iron from beef
Vitamin C from bell peppers
Balanced carbohydrates when paired with rice

Choosing low-sodium soy sauce helps manage salt levels.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken instead?

Yes, substitute thinly sliced chicken breast.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.

Why is my sauce thin?

Ensure cornstarch coating is evenly applied and allow sauce to simmer briefly.

Cultural Background

While inspired by Chinese stir-fry techniques, Classic Pepper Steak became popular in American households during the mid-20th century. It reflects a blend of traditional stir-fry methods with Western pantry ingredients, making it both accessible and adaptable.

Today, it remains a staple comfort meal that feels both familiar and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Classic Pepper Steak is a flavorful, vibrant, and satisfying dish that combines tender beef with crisp peppers in a rich, savory sauce. This easy pepper steak recipe is perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a hearty beef stir fry with peppers.

Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and quick cooking time make this dish a must-have in your dinner rotation.