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Incredible Pepper Steak Recipe

Discover my Incredible Pepper Steak Recipe — tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce with a hint of Caribbean flavor. Learn how to make restaurant-quality Pepper Steak at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course: Beef Recipes, Global Favorites, Sunday Dinners

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon Mirin or rice vinegar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tablespoon spicy jerk marinade optional
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 orange bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. To tenderize the beef strips so they’re not chewy, combine the baking soda with the beef and mix well. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the mixture feels too dry. Let it sit for 30 minutes to “velvet” the beef. In the video below we discuss how the texture of the beef will change. 
  2. After 30 minutes, rinse the beef thoroughly several times, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
  3. Season the beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, grated ginger, Mirin, water, salt, black pepper, garlic, and jerk marinade (if using). Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the marinated beef (reserve the marinade) and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the beef is browned and most of the liquid has evaporated.
  5. Add the red, orange, and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to stay slightly crisp.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the reserved marinade, then pour into the wok. Stir continuously for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  7. Add the chopped scallions, taste, and adjust salt if needed. Turn off the heat after 1 minute, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  8. Serve hot with coconut rice or steamed jasmine rice.

Notes

What Is Velveting Beef and Why Is It Important?

Velveting is a Chinese cooking method that tenderizes meat using baking soda or cornstarch before stir-frying. It keeps the beef juicy and soft even after high-heat cooking.

Can I Make Pepper Steak Without Jerk Marinade?

Yes. The jerk marinade adds a subtle heat and island flavor, but you can skip it or use a touch of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes instead.

What’s the Best Cut of Beef for Pepper Steak?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are ideal because they stay tender and flavorful when sliced thinly against the grain.

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! Substitute beef with boneless chicken breast or thighs and follow the same recipe steps.

How Do I Prevent the Sauce From Getting Too Thick?

Add a tablespoon of water or broth at a time while stirring until you reach your preferred sauce consistency.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!