Here’s a hearty and flavorful Homestyle Pepper Steak recipe with sautéed bell peppers and sweet onion — tender strips of beef in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, perfect over rice or noodles. It’s comfort food with a stir-fry twist!
🥩 Homestyle Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers & Sweet Onion
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the steak:
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1.5 lbs (680g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
Vegetables:
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2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips
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1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
Sauce:
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup beef broth or water
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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2 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar (optional)
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1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the beef (optional but recommended):
In a bowl, toss sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies and sauce.
2. Sear the beef:
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
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Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
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Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables:
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In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed.
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Add sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 4–6 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
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Add garlic (and ginger if using) and sauté for 1 more minute.
4. Make and add the sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together: soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
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Pour sauce into the pan with vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
5. Combine:
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Return beef to the pan. Toss everything together until coated and the sauce has thickened (about 2 minutes).
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Adjust seasoning to taste — add more soy sauce or a splash of water if needed.
6. Serve:
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
📝 Tips:
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Cut beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or let it simmer an extra minute.