Similar to black pepper chicken, this recipe for pepper steak creates big flavors in minimal time — but with tender flank steak instead of poultry. Plus, it pairs with so many Asian sides!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this easy pepper steak recipe with onions and peppers, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Stir Fry:
Olive Oil – For searing and stir frying. You can substitute avocado oil, melted ghee, or any heat-safe oil. Flank Steak – Slice it against the grain, as thinly as possible. You can also substitute skirt steak, sirloin steak, flat iron steak, or flap steak in this pepper steak recipe.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper Vegetables – I used a green and red pepper, and a yellow onion. You can use peppers in other colors or other types of onions, or even caramelized onions. Slice them all into thin strips. Feel free to add other veggies, too! Mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, baby corn, broccoli, or snap peas would all work well.
Pepper Steak Sauce:
Beef Broth – You can also use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand, but the flavor matches better with beef broth. For extra nutrition, use bone broth instead. Arrowroot Powder – This is my favorite alternative for cornstarch, but you can use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if it fits your lifestyle. Coconut Aminos – Although you can use low sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos is my favorite soy sauce substitute. It also adds a hint of sweetness. Honey – I prefer sugar-free honey, but regular also works. Garlic – I think fresh minced garlic tastes best, but you could use 2 teaspoons of jarred garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Fresh Ginger – Adds a vibrant and aromatic burst of flavor. You can substitute a pinch of ground ginger if you need to.
How To Make Pepper Steak
This section shows how to make this pepper steak recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Simple place the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes, then remove and slice. It will be firmer this way, which makes it easier to get super thin slices. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce if you like a kick.
Storage Instructions
Store: Pour the pepper steak stir fry into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Meal prep: Make ahead and store in individual portion containers. Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals. Freeze: Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip lock bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What To Serve With Pepper Steak
Pepper steak recipes are almost a one-pan meal! You just need a base to soak up the sauce, but other sides work well, too: Simply place the steak and veggies into a Crock Pot, mix the sauce in a bowl, and pour it over everything. Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until the steak is very tender.
Rice – Pepper steak and rice is the most classic combo. White rice, jasmine rice, or even fried rice would all work well. For a lighter alternative, try cauliflower rice (pictured above). Asian Sides – Pair this dish with classic Asian-inspired sides like a kani salad, blistered shishito peppers, or glazed hakurei turnips. Appetizer – Serving bacon wrapped water chestnuts as an appetizer adds a crispy, savory contrast to the bold flavors of this dish. Salad – For a quick and easy side, pair with a simple garden salad with ginger dressing or a classic smashed cucumber salad.
More Asian Beef Recipes
If you love the Asian flavors in this pepper steak recipe, try these other easy Asian-inspired recipes with beef next time: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info is calculated using sugar-free honey. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle!
