Quick Description:
A flavorful stir-fry of tender flank steak, bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. This dish is sizzling with heat, enhanced by ginger, garlic, and a blend of Asian sauces, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Servings & Timing:
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients List:
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Cooked white rice or steamed rice, for serving
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Steak:
In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients. -
Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Set the sauce aside. -
Cook the Steak:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. -
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary, and stir-fry the sliced onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Combine and Thicken:
Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and vegetables nicely. -
Serve:
Serve the sizzling pepper steak and onions over cooked white or steamed rice for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Additional Notes:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. For a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar by half a teaspoon.
- Optional Add-ins: You can add mushrooms, snap peas, or other veggies to increase the dish’s variety.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
Dietary Info:
- Calories per Serving: ~350-400 calories (depending on the exact ingredients used)
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbs: ~15g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~800-900mg
Diet Type:
Keto (with carb reduction), Low-Carb, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of sesame oil for a deeper, toasted flavor.
- Extra Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to spice it up even further.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Sweetener: If you prefer, substitute the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Rice: For a low-carb version, serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:
- Asian-inspired twist: Serve with sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli for more greens.
- Low-carb: Skip the rice and serve with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a truly low-carb meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe is quick, but if you want to prepare ahead, you can marinate the steak and prepare the stir-fry sauce a day in advance.
FAQs:
-
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use sirloin or rib-eye steak instead of flank steak for a richer flavor. -
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or even fresh chili peppers to amp up the spice level. -
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh vegetables provide the best texture, you can use frozen vegetables as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
Optional Personal Story:
“Growing up, my family always loved stir-fried dishes, and this pepper steak was one of my favorites. I love making it now for weeknight dinners, especially when I’m craving something flavorful but quick!”
