Super Easy Pepper Steak
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, vibrant peppers, and tomatoes, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that combines savory soy and aromatic ginger.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef round or chuck, trimmed of fat
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 cup green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 4 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut beef into thin strips about 1/8-inch thick.
- Combine soy sauce, garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl.
- Add beef to the soy mixture and toss to coat. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
- Add the beef and cook, tossing until browned.
- Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Turn up the heat and add sliced onions, green peppers, and celery.
- Toss and cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the meat and vegetable mixture and stir until thickened.
- Add tomato wedges and cook until heated through.
- Serve the pepper steak hot over white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you don't have cornstarch, use flour as a thickener, but make sure to cook it longer to eliminate the raw taste. For a spicier kick, add sliced chili peppers during the vegetable cooking stage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed white rice or alongside fried rice for a hearty meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a complete experience, consider serving with a side of dumplings or spring rolls, enhancing your exploration of Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Easy Pepper Steak contains roughly 522 calories, with 6g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or flank steak, but adjust the cooking time as these cuts may cook faster. Just ensure they are sliced thinly to maximize tenderness and flavor absorption.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version. Use the same marinade to infuse flavor, and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the tofu is heated through and absorbs the sauce.
What can I serve with pepper steak?
Pepper steak is delicious over white rice, but you can also serve it with noodles for a different twist. Consider adding sides like steamed broccoli or bok choy to balance the meal. For a fusion twist, pair it with fried rice or even alongside some mini egg rolls.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).