Pepper steak is one of my all-time favorite dishes. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a steak craving without breaking the bank.

Onions and bell peppers are always in my crisper drawer, making this a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Simply toss steak (flank or skirt— your choice!) with softened onions and crisp-tender peppers, all coated in a savory, flavorful sauce made with pantry staples like oyster sauce and soy sauce.

While it’s delicious on its own, the gravy is just waiting to soak into something. Steamed rice, boiled pasta, or even plain mashed potatoes are all acceptable carbs that can serve as a base for this dish.

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Pepper Steak

Serves 3 to 4

1 pound skirt steak or flank steak

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup water

3 tablespoons oyster sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil, divided

1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 1/4 cups)

1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 1/4 cups)

Cooked white rice, for serving

1. Cut 1 pound skirt steak crosswise into 3 to 4-inch pieces. Cut each piece across the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place in a medium bowl, season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and toss to coat.

2. Whisk 1/2 cup water, 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch together in a small bowl until the cornstarch is suspended.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak in an even layer and cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the steak and cook until the second side is browned, about 1 minute more. Return to the bowl (the steak will not be cooked through).

4. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil into the pan. Add 1 thinly sliced medium yellow onion and 4 finely chopped garlic cloves. Stir-fry until the onion begins to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Return the steak and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add 1 sliced large red bell pepper and 1 sliced large green bell pepper, and stir-fry until starting to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Reduce the heat to medium. Whisk the cornstarch mixture again, then pour into the pan. Toss until combined. Cover and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables, about 2 minutes. Serve with cooked white rice.

Recipe note: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.

(Vivian Chan-Tam is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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