P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak (Copycat Recipe) – Tender Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers & Savory Garlic Soy Sauce

Restaurant Inspired

Origin and Cultural Significance

Pepper Steak is a Chinese-American dish that became popular in the mid-20th century as part of the first wave of Americanized Chinese cuisine. Traditionally inspired by Cantonese stir-fries, the dish highlights tender slices of beef and colorful peppers, making it both hearty and visually appealing. P.F. Chang’s elevated this classic takeout favorite by using premium cuts of beef, fresh vegetables, and a glossy soy-garlic sauce. It’s a dish that represents the fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with American comfort food preferences. Today, Pepper Steak is cherished worldwide as a flavorful, quick stir-fry that blends tradition with modern dining.

Unique Ingredients and Flavors

The dish features thin slices of flank steak stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions. Its sauce combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger, with brown sugar adding a touch of sweetness. Black pepper is the star, giving the dish a bold, slightly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Sesame oil enhances the umami richness while balancing the sweetness of the sauce. The result is tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned glaze.

Slices of beef stir-fried with red and green bell peppers in a savory soy garlic sauce. — Tender beef with crisp bell peppers tossed in a bold garlic soy glaze – a P.F. Chang’s classic at home.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Method: Deep Frying, Frying, Roasting, Sauteing, Simmering

Cuisine: Fusion

Courses: Dinner, Restaurant Inspired, Viral Foods

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 350 F

Dietary: Contains Gluten, contains soy, high protein

Description

This Pepper Steak copycat recipe recreates the P.F. Chang’s classic with tender slices of beef stir-fried with bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-garlic sauce. The beef is marinated for tenderness, seared over high heat, and tossed with a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Perfect as a weeknight dinner or special meal, it’s best served with steamed rice or noodles. Once you try it, you’ll see why Pepper Steak remains a takeout classic.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

1
Toss sliced beef with cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Let sit for 10–15 minutes for tenderness.

2. Prepare the Sauce

2
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil. Set aside.

3. Cook the Beef

3
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef slices for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry Vegetables

4
Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.

5. Combine and Finish

5
Return beef to the wok, pour in the sauce, and toss until everything is coated and heated through.

6. Serve

6
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with extra black pepper or sesame seeds if desired.

Note

Hot Oil Warning: Stir-frying at high heat can cause splattering—be cautious.

Allergy Warning: Contains soy and gluten (soy sauce, hoisin). Use tamari for gluten-free substitution.

For authentic texture, slice beef thinly against the grain and don’t overcrowd the wok.

Keywords: pf chang’s pepper steak recipe, copycat pepper steak, chinese beef stir fry, pf changs beef recipe, steak stir fry with bell peppers

P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak stands out for its bold seasoning and vibrant colors, making it a feast for both the eyes and palate. This dish is versatile—add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition, or substitute chicken for beef. Adjust spice levels by adding more black pepper or red chili flakes. Leftovers reheat well and make a delicious next-day lunch. This copycat recipe captures the balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that make Pepper Steak a restaurant classic.

Read it online: https://friedrecipes.com/recipe/p-f-changs-pepper-steak-copycat-recipe-tender-beef-stir-fry-with-bell-peppers-savory-garlic-soy-sauce/