For a delicious and quick dinner option, look no further than pepper steak over rice. This savory dish combines tender beef with bell peppers and onions, all enveloped in a rich homemade stir fry sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Let’s dive into this easy pepper steak recipe that’s not only a favorite among family-friendly dinner options but also a wonderful addition to your collection of beef stir fry recipes. The balance of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic sauce makes it an irresistible choice for any dinner table.

Ingredients

• For the Beef:
  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain. Flank steak is preferred for its flavor and tenderness, but feel free to choose a different cut if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, which helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the beef moist. You can also use potato starch if you prefer.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying, though you might consider using canola oil or another high smoke point oil for better results.
• For the Stir Fry:
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, which adds a nutty flavor. Toasted sesame oil can intensify this flavor even more.
  • 1 medium onion, sliced. A sweet onion like Vidalia can add a touch of sweetness if you prefer.
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced. Red bell peppers will add a subtle sweetness, while green peppers have a more bitter note.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced for a fragrant aroma. Fresh garlic is always best, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated. Fresh ginger offers a zesty kick, but ground ginger can serve as a substitute if you don’t have fresh on hand.
• For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce, which serves as the savory base of the dish. If you’re looking for lower sodium options, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce for depth and richness. Vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms can be a great alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, which adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. Apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar, depending on your preference for sweetness. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice). Adjust this according to your heat tolerance or skip it entirely for a milder dish.
  • 1 tablespoon water (to adjust consistency), use more or less depending on your desired sauce thickness.
• For Serving:
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice, which provides a hearty base for the dish. Jasmine or basmati rice can also enhance the flavor.
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish, adding a fresh crunch and color to the dish.
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish, which add a nice visual appeal as well as a nutty crunch.

Note: For gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with tamari. You can also replace flank steak with sirloin or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. This adaptability makes pepper steak over rice a versatile dish for many dietary preferences. You can learn more about this topic.

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This step helps to tenderize the beef and allows the cornstarch to work its magic for that desirable texture.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Set aside. Make sure to taste the sauce as you create it, adjusting the sweetness or spice level to suit your preference.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper browning. If necessary, cook in batches to achieve that perfect sear.
4. Add Aromatics: Push the beef to the side of the skillet. Add sesame oil, then toss in the sliced onions, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry everything for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. This step infuses the aromatics into the oil, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
5. Combine and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all ingredients. A good visual cue is when the sauce clings to the beef and vegetables, creating a glossy finish.
6. Prepare the Rice: While the beef is cooking, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork before serving to separate the grains. This ensures a better texture when served with the pepper steak.
7. Serve: Serve the pepper steak over a bed of rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy the fresh, savory flavors! Consider a light drizzle of additional sesame oil for an extra layer of richness.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your pepper steak over rice, consider these helpful tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier! Just remember to add a splash of water when reheating to keep the dish moist.
• Make-ahead Options: You can prepare the beef and sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply stir-fry the vegetables and reheat the beef with the sauce. This can save you significant time during a busy weeknight dinner.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Be careful not to overcook the beef. It should be tender and juicy, so a quick sear is ideal. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the beef for the best sear; this will create a delicious crust and lock in the juices.
• Pro Techniques: For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of mirin or sherry to the sauce. This can enhance the umami richness of the dish. Furthermore, using a mix of colorful bell peppers can elevate the presentation and taste of your pepper steak over rice.

Print

Pepper Steak Over Rice

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

15 min

🔥

Calories

—

A delicious and quick dinner option, this savory dish combines tender beef with bell peppers and onions, all enveloped in a rich homemade stir fry sauce.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

1.

In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

2.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Set aside.

3.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 2-3 minutes until browned.

4.

Push the beef to the side of the skillet. Add sesame oil, then toss in the sliced onions, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5.

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6.

While the beef is cooking, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork before serving.

7.

Serve the pepper steak over a bed of rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.