Cooking pepper steak on the stove is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a flavorful and tender steak dinner. The combination of juicy steak and vibrant bell peppers creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or hosting a dinner party, pepper steak is sure to impress your guests.
To start, you’ll need a few key ingredients: a high-quality cut of steak, such as ribeye or sirloin, fresh bell peppers in various colors for added visual appeal, and some common pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients will help to enhance the natural flavors of the steak and peppers, creating a well-balanced and tasty dish.
The preparation process is relatively simple. Begin by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. While the steak is marinating, you can start preparing the bell peppers by removing the seeds and slicing them into thin strips. This will ensure that they cook evenly and retain their crispness.
Next, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add some vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, place the steak in the pan and sear it on both sides until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest. In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until they are tender, but still slightly crunchy.
Finally, return the steak to the pan with the peppers, along with a splash of soy sauce for added flavor. Allow the steak to heat through and absorb the flavors of the peppers, garlic, and ginger. Once everything is heated through, remove the pan from the heat and let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Serve the pepper steak over a bed of rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Now that you know how to cook pepper steak on the stove, you can impress your family and friends with this flavorful and succulent dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious steak dinner ready to enjoy in no time. So, next time you’re craving a steak dinner, skip the grill and head to the stove for a truly unforgettable meal.
Pepper steak recipe: how to cook it on the stove
If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful meal, look no further than pepper steak. This classic dish is made with tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The best part? It’s easy to make right on your stovetop. Follow this simple recipe to create a mouthwatering pepper steak dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef slices to the hot oil and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove from heat and let the pepper steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors of tender beef and crisp vegetables in every bite. This pepper steak recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Choosing the right steak
When it comes to making a delicious pepper steak on the stove, choosing the right cut of steak is essential. The best cuts for this recipe are typically sirloin or ribeye, as they have just the right balance of tenderness and flavor.
When selecting your steak, look for cuts that are well-marbled with fat, as this will melt during cooking and help to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. A marbling of fat throughout the meat will also add extra richness to each bite.
Additionally, consider the thickness of the steak. For pepper steak, it’s best to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. This ensures that the meat will cook evenly and give you that perfect medium-rare to medium doneness.
You can buy pre-cut steaks from your local butcher or grocery store, or you can purchase a whole steak and slice it yourself. If you choose to slice it yourself, make sure to cut against the grain to achieve the most tender pieces.
Remember, the quality of the steak will greatly affect the flavor of your pepper steak, so it’s worth investing in a good-quality cut. Taking the time to choose the right steak will make all the difference in the final result of your dish.
Preparing the ingredients
Before you begin cooking your pepper steak on the stove, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here is what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of steak (sirloin or strip steak is recommended)
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Make sure to choose a high-quality steak and fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Also, it’s a good idea to slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips before you start cooking.
Marinating the steak
Marinating the steak is an essential step to infuse the meat with flavors and make it tender. Follow these steps to marinate your steak:
1. Choose your marinade
There are various marinade options to enhance the flavors of your pepper steak. You can use a pre-made marinade from the store or make your own. Some popular options include:
- Teriyaki marinade
- Garlic and herb marinade
- Soy sauce and brown sugar marinade
Experiment with different marinades to find your favorite flavor combination!
2. Prepare the marinade
If you’re making your own marinade, simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. For example, if you’re making a teriyaki marinade, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Marinate the steak
Place the steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that it is evenly coated. If using a dish, flip the steak to make sure both sides are covered. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing it.
Note: The longer you marinate the steak, the more flavor it will absorb. Ideally, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Refrigerate and rest
Once the steak is marinated, cover the dish or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator. Let the steak rest and marinate for the recommended time. During this time, the flavors will penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.
Remember, marinating the steak is an essential step to achieve a delicious and tender pepper steak. Take your time to choose the perfect marinade and let the flavors work their magic!
Heating the skillet
Before cooking the pepper steak, it is important to properly heat the skillet. Using a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution.
Place the skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to heat for a few minutes until it is hot but not smoking.
Preheating the skillet helps to:
- Ensure even cooking of the pepper steak.
- Create a good sear on the steak, resulting in a flavorful crust.
- Prevent the steak from sticking to the pan.
Test the heat of the skillet:
To check if the skillet is hot enough, you can perform the water droplet test. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the skillet’s surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates almost immediately, the skillet is ready for cooking.
Once the skillet is hot, you can proceed with cooking the pepper steak and achieving a delicious, tender result.
Cooking the pepper steak
Once you have seasoned the steak and let it marinate, it’s time to cook the pepper steak on the stove. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Preheat the skillet
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and let it heat up for a few minutes. You want the skillet to be hot enough to sear the steak.
Step 2: Add oil to the skillet
Once the skillet is hot, drizzle some oil into it. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil of your choice. Swirl the oil around the skillet to coat the bottom evenly.
Step 3: Sear the steak
Carefully place the marinated steak onto the hot skillet. Let it cook for a few minutes on each side, until it develops a brown crust. This will help seal in the juices and create a delicious flavor.
Step 4: Add the peppers
After searing the steak, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté them until they become tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Combine steak and peppers
Return the seared steak to the skillet with the peppers. Toss everything together to combine the flavors. Cook for an additional minute or two until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
Your pepper steak is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is the best type of steak to use for pepper steak?
The best type of steak to use for pepper steak is a tender cut such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank. These cuts are known for their tenderness and are perfect for stir-frying on the stove. You want to choose a steak that will cook quickly and remain tender. You can also ask your butcher for recommendations on the best cut of beef for pepper steak.
Can I cook the pepper steak without onions and garlic?
Yes, you can cook the pepper steak without onions and garlic if you prefer. While onions and garlic add flavor to the dish, they are not essential. If you do not like the taste of onions and garlic or if you have dietary restrictions that prevent you from consuming them, you can omit them from the recipe. The pepper steak will still be delicious and full of flavor from the other ingredients such as the bell pepper and steak.