15 Minute Pepper Steak

Laura in the Kitchen

Video Stats

Host: Laura in the Kitchen
Published: Aug 20, 2025
Views: 31.4k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 5 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 4

Overview

This 15 Minute Pepper Steak recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a takeout favorite right at home. The simplicity of the dish is what makes it so appealing; with just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that comes together in no time. The sirloin steak, when sliced thinly after a brief chill in the freezer, becomes tender and easy to cook. Pairing it with vibrant bell peppers not only adds color but also a sweet crunch that complements the savory sauce beautifully.

The sauce itself is a delightful blend of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar, thickened with cornstarch for that perfect glossy finish. As you cook, the magic happens when the water helps lift those delicious browned bits from the skillet, infusing the dish with even more flavor. It’s a technique that elevates the dish, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of that savory goodness.

Serving this pepper steak over rice makes for a complete meal that’s not only satisfying but also budget-friendly. It’s a family favorite that’s quicker and cheaper than ordering takeout, and it’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is a keeper for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:27

Cut red and orange bell peppers and a red onion into large chunks.

2
00:54

Slice sirloin steak into bite-sized pieces after chilling in the freezer.

01:00

Tip: Chill the steak in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.

3
01:20

Add cornstarch and soy sauce to the sliced steak and mix well.

4
01:32

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, water, rice wine vinegar, mirin, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, fresh ginger, and garlic.

01:47

Tip: Always add cornstarch to your sauce for the right thickness.

5
02:05

Stir the sauce ingredients together and set aside.

6
02:33

Add neutral oil to a large skillet and heat until hot.

7
02:37

Add steak to the skillet in batches and sear for about a minute.

8
02:51

Add peppers and onions to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes.

03:01

Tip: Add a touch of water to lift the brown bits from the skillet for added flavor.

03:19

Tip: Don't skip scraping the bottom of the skillet; it adds depth to your dish.

9
03:29

Pour the prepared sauce back into the skillet and cook until it thickens.

03:34

Tip: Allow the sauce to thicken on heat for the best texture.

10
03:49

Add the beef back into the skillet and cook everything together for a minute.

04:10

Tip: You can substitute peppers with broccoli or green beans for variation.

11
04:18

Serve the pepper steak with rice.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Soy Sauce1/2 cup
Cornstarch2 tbsp
Brown Sugar1/4 cup
Rice Wine Vinegar2 tbsp
Sesame Oil1 tbsp
Ginger1 tbsp
Garlic2 cloves
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Soy

    → Substitution: Coconut Aminos

Nutrition

Calories
400
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Slicing steak after chilling in the freezer makes it easier to cut into thin pieces.
  • Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
  • Adding water during cooking helps lift flavorful browned bits from the skillet.
  • You can substitute bell peppers with broccoli or green beans for a different twist.