Here’s a Homestyle Pepper Steak Stir-Fry recipe for you — tender beef strips seared and tossed with colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and a rich savory sauce. It’s quick, hearty, and tastes like takeout but fresher 🍲🌶️.
🥢 Homestyle Pepper Steak Stir-Fry with Colorful Bell Peppers and Sweet Onions
🛒 Ingredients
For the Beef:
-
1 ½ lbs (700g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for marinating)
-
½ tsp black pepper
For the Vegetables:
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
-
1 green bell pepper, sliced
-
1 large sweet onion, sliced into wedges
-
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
-
½ cup beef broth
-
3 tbsp soy sauce
-
2 tbsp oyster sauce (for rich flavor)
-
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for slight sweetness)
-
2 tsp cornstarch (to thicken sauce)
-
1 tsp sesame oil
-
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
-
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnish:
-
Toasted sesame seeds
-
Fresh green onions, sliced
🥘 Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
-
In a bowl, toss sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, oil, and black pepper.
-
Let marinate 15–20 minutes (this keeps it tender and flavorful).
2. Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce
-
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (if using), sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
-
Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
-
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
-
Add beef in a single layer, sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned (don’t overcook).
-
Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies
-
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp oil.
-
Toss in onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything
-
Return beef to the skillet.
-
Pour in sauce mixture and stir well.
-
Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef and veggies.
6. Serve
-
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
-
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
🌟 Tips & Variations
-
For extra richness, add a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine to the sauce.
-
Swap beef for chicken or tofu for variations.
-
Add mushrooms or snap peas for extra crunch.
🍴 Flavor Analogy
This dish is like a firework of flavors and colors in a skillet 🎇—the beef is hearty, the peppers are sweet and vibrant, and the sauce ties it all together with savory depth and just the right amount of tang.