Best Ever Pepper Steak

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If you’re craving a savory, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress, look no further than this Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe. Combining tender flank steak with crisp bell peppers and a savory sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of taste and convenience. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this pepper steak recipe is a keeper that will elevate your dinner table.

Ingredients:

To create this delicious Pepper Steak, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided use)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
  • 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

 Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add the red and green bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes or until just tender. Remove the peppers from the pan and place them on a plate.
  2. Cook the Steak: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to high and add the steak to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned.
  3. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the steak, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to combine.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, 1/4 cup water, and cornstarch until well combined.
  6. Finish the Dish: Pour the sauce over the steak mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has just thickened.
  7. Serve: Serve your Best Ever Pepper Steak over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with Rice or Noodles: This Pepper Steak pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, or a bed of noodles. The rice or noodles will soak up the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious.
  2. Garnish: For added color and freshness, garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. A dash of red pepper flakes can also add a touch of heat if desired.
  3. Side Dishes: Complement the meal with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. Sautéed greens, such as bok choy or spinach, are excellent choices to balance the richness of the steak.
  4. Serving Temperature: Serve the Pepper Steak hot for the best taste and texture. If serving it as part of a larger meal, keep it warm in a covered dish until ready to serve.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
  2. Freezing: You can freeze leftover Pepper Steak for up to 2-3 months. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, and label it with the date. For best results, freeze the steak without the rice or noodles, as these can become mushy when reheated.
  3. Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed Pepper Steak in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
  4. Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough. Heat until just warmed through to maintain its tender texture.

With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your Best Ever Pepper Steak. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or saving leftovers for later, these tips will help you maintain the dish’s delicious flavors and quality.

Variations :

Add a unique twist to your Best Ever Pepper Steak with these creative variations. Whether you’re looking to cater to specific dietary preferences or just want to try something new, these ideas will enhance the versatility of your dish.

  1. Mongolian Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Use a combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Add sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
    • Method: Follow the original recipe but substitute half of the soy sauce with hoisin sauce. Stir in green onions during the last minute of cooking and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
  2. Spicy Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Add sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes for heat.
    • Method: Incorporate sliced jalapeños into the pan with the peppers and steak. Alternatively, sprinkle red chili flakes over the steak mixture for a spicier kick.
  3. Teriyaki Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce.
    • Method: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce in the recipe. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
  4. Pepper Steak with Mushrooms:
    • Ingredients: Add sliced mushrooms to the recipe.
    • Method: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the bell peppers. Follow the original recipe, combining the mushrooms with the peppers before adding them back to the pan with the steak.
  5. Cuban-style Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Add a splash of lime juice and some cumin to the sauce. Use red and yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
    • Method: Stir cumin into the sauce mixture and squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished dish. Use a mix of red and yellow peppers for added sweetness and color.
  6. Vegetarian Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Replace flank steak with sliced portobello mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
    • Method: Use portobello mushrooms or a vegan meat alternative in place of the beef. Follow the original cooking instructions, but reduce cooking time as needed for the meat substitute.
  7. Peanut Butter Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the sauce mixture.
    • Method: Whisk peanut butter into the soy sauce mixture to create a slightly nutty, rich sauce. This variation adds depth and a unique flavor.
  8. Korean-style Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) and a dash of sesame oil.
    • Method: Mix gochujang into the sauce for a spicy, umami flavor. Drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the finished dish for added authenticity.
  9. Sweet and Sour Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Add pineapple chunks and a bit of rice vinegar to the sauce.
    • Method: Stir in pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking. Add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sweetness with tanginess.
  10. Thai-style Pepper Steak:
    • Ingredients: Use fish sauce and add chopped Thai basil and sliced red chilies.
    • Method: Substitute fish sauce for soy sauce and stir in chopped Thai basil and sliced red chilies during the last minute of cooking. This adds a fresh, aromatic flavor with a hint of heat.

These variations allow you to customize your Best Ever Pepper Steak to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic recipe, ensuring that you can enjoy this dish in a new and exciting way.

FAQs:

Here are answers to common questions about preparing and enjoying Best Ever Pepper Steak:

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts such as sirloin or ribeye if flank steak is unavailable. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and tenderness of the meat.
  2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Pepper Steak ahead of time. Cook the dish as instructed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  3. Can I use frozen peppers? While fresh bell peppers are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen peppers if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the pan to avoid excess moisture.
  4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  5. What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce? If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives. Mix the thickener with a little water before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumping.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can include additional vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Sauté them with the peppers or add them at the same time as the peppers for a varied dish.

In conclusion, this Best Ever Pepper Steak recipe is a delightful combination of tender steak, crisp peppers, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends and family. With its easy preparation and mouth-watering results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Don’t miss out on this deliciously simple meal—it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep and make time and time again!