If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, pepper steak and rice is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It’s a satisfying comfort food recipe that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a budget-friendly family meal.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making pepper steak and rice, including step-by-step instructions, helpful cooking tips, variations, and serving ideas.
What is Pepper Steak and Rice?
Pepper steak and rice is a popular stir-fry dish with Chinese-American origins. Traditionally, it features thinly sliced beef (like flank steak or sirloin), stir-fried with bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes a touch of sugar or oyster sauce. The cooked mixture is then served over a bed of rice, creating a balanced dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
What makes pepper steak and rice so appealing is their simplicity. It’s made with everyday ingredients, yet the combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and rich sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Pepper Steak and Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare pepper steak and rice:
For the Steak and Vegetables:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for natural sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth or water
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain works best)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own homemade pepper steak and rice:
1. Prepare the Steak
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
- In a medium bowl, toss the beef strips with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, beef broth, and remaining cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Steak
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet.
- Stir-fry onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the beef to the skillet.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables (about 2–3 minutes).
6. Serve
- Spoon the pepper steak mixture over hot cooked rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Pepper Steak and Rice
- Slice beef thinly – Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Use a hot skillet or wok – High heat helps sear the meat quickly and keeps the vegetables crisp.
- Don’t overcook – Cook the beef until just browned to keep it juicy.
- Adjust sauce thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, simmer a bit longer.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about pepper steak and rice is how versatile it is. Here are some tasty variations:
- Spicy Pepper Steak – Add chili flakes, sriracha, or sliced jalapeños for heat.
- Teriyaki Pepper Steak – Swap soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Vegetable-Packed Version – Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak – Cook the beef, peppers, onions, and sauce in a crockpot on low for 6–7 hours for a hands-off meal.
What to Serve with Pepper Steak and Rice
While this dish is complete on its own, you can pair it with sides for an even heartier meal:
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
- Asian cucumber salad
- Hot and sour soup or miso soup
- A simple green salad
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled pepper steak (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave with a splash of water to keep the sauce from drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults
- Customizable – Adjust veggies and seasonings to your taste
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients you already have
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats well
Final Thoughts on Pepper Steak and Rice
Pepper steak and rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce over fluffy rice. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. With endless variations and simple prep, this recipe is a must-have in your cooking rotation.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook for dinner, try this pepper steak and rice recipe. It’s a flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying meal that everyone at the table will love!