Instant Pot Pepper Steak

Discover the Deliciousness of Instant Pot Chinese Pepper Steak

Pepper steak is a beloved dish that marries the tender richness of beef with the crisp freshness of bell peppers in a savory, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine—simple ingredients, quick cooking, and bold flavors. With the rise of pressure cooking technology, making this popular Chinese-style pepper steak has never been easier or faster. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can create this flavorful meal in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick, satisfying dinner.

This version of Instant Pot Pepper Steak simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing any of the taste or texture. The key to achieving the best results lies in the precise cooking of the beef and peppers, which the Instant Pot handles effortlessly. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned Instant Pot pro, this recipe will show you how to achieve a perfectly tender steak with vibrant peppers in no time.

What Makes This Pepper Steak Recipe Special?

The allure of pepper steak comes from the balance of flavors—tender slices of beef stir-fried with bell peppers in a savory sauce. But it’s the subtle tang of rice vinegar, the warmth of ginger, and the touch of sweetness from brown sugar that give this dish its signature depth. This Instant Pot version not only delivers the full array of flavors, but also allows you to make it in a fraction of the time.

In this recipe, we use flank steak, a cut of beef that’s known for its tenderness and flavor when sliced thinly. Flank steak also cooks quickly and holds up well to pressure cooking, making it an ideal choice for this dish. The bell peppers add a fresh crunch and slight sweetness, and they retain their texture despite the cooking time in the Instant Pot.

Another unique aspect of this recipe is the balance of soy sauces. While low-sodium soy sauce is used to keep the salt content in check, a small amount of regular soy sauce is added for extra richness and flavor. This blend of soy sauces, along with rice vinegar, creates a perfectly balanced sauce that complements the beef and peppers without overpowering them.

Moreover, cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, turning the liquid into a glossy, flavorful coating for the beef and peppers. This thickened sauce provides that comforting, satisfying mouthfeel that makes pepper steak so delicious.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pepper Steak

The ingredients for this dish are simple and easy to find, but they come together to create a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the tender beef and crisp peppers. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil works well)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced thinly (feel free to use a mix of colors—green, red, yellow, or orange—for added visual appeal)
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain (aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick)
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar (adds a slight tang)
• 2 ½ teaspoons grated ginger (fresh ginger is best for maximum flavor)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adds a touch of sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• 3 tablespoons water (to dissolve the cornstarch)

These ingredients create a well-rounded and flavorful dish, but the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust the amounts of soy sauce, ginger, or sugar to suit your personal preferences.

Preparing Instant Pot Pepper Steak

One of the key benefits of using the Instant Pot for this recipe is its ability to cook food quickly while locking in all the flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this dish in your pressure cooker:

1. Sauté the Peppers: Begin by adding the oil to the Instant Pot and setting it to the sauté function. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the sliced bell peppers. Stir the peppers occasionally, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. You want them to hold their shape and vibrant color. Once done, remove the peppers from the pot and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Add 3/4 cup of water, both the low-sodium and regular soy sauces, rice vinegar, grated ginger, brown sugar, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir the ingredients together to combine, creating a smooth, savory sauce. The rice vinegar adds a tangy note, while the brown sugar introduces a hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauces.
3. Add the Beef: Next, add the thinly sliced flank steak to the Instant Pot. Stir the beef into the sauce, making sure to break up the slices so they don’t stick together. This helps the beef absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks. The sauce will start to infuse the beef with its rich, savory notes.
4. Pressure Cook the Beef: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This is enough time to cook the beef perfectly without overcooking it. It’s important to use a quick release when the cooking time is up, as a natural release could result in overcooked beef. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release to release the steam.
5. Thicken the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, mix the cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the beef has finished cooking and the pressure has been released, open the Instant Pot and stir the beef and sauce. You’ll notice that there may be some extra liquid. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir quickly to avoid clumping. The sauce will begin to thicken, creating a glossy, rich coating for the beef.
6. Reintroduce the Peppers: Add the sautéed bell peppers back into the Instant Pot and stir to combine with the beef and sauce. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function again and cook everything together for about 1 minute. This will allow the flavors to meld, and the peppers will heat through without losing their crispness.
7. Serve: Once the beef and peppers are coated in the thickened sauce, your dish is ready to serve. This pepper steak pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a rice substitute like cauliflower rice if you’re following a low-carb diet. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Customizing Your Pepper Steak

This Instant Pot pepper steak recipe is highly customizable to suit your tastes. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can add red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
• Different Vegetables: While bell peppers are traditional, you can also experiment with other vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or snap peas for added texture and flavor.
• Soy Sauce Variations: If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
• Sweetness Level: You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on how sweet you like your dish. A touch of honey or maple syrup can also be used for a different kind of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot pepper steak recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and authentic Chinese-style meal in the comfort of your own home. The rich flavors, tender beef, and vibrant peppers make it a perfect weeknight dinner option, and the Instant Pot ensures that the dish is ready in no time. Whether you’re a fan of savory dishes, crave a meal with a balance of sweetness and tang, or are simply looking for a quick yet flavorful dinner, this recipe is a winner.

 Quick and Easy Instant Pot Pepper Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive or canola oil)
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (about 1/3 inch thick)
• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 ½ teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Sauté the peppers: Heat oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add sliced bell peppers and cook until tender but still crisp. Set aside.
2. Prepare sauce: In the Instant Pot, mix water, soy sauces, rice vinegar, ginger, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Cook beef: Add sliced flank steak and stir to combine with the sauce. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Thicken the sauce: Whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. After a quick release, stir the slurry into the beef to thicken the sauce.
5. Combine and serve: Add bell peppers back into the Instant Pot and sauté for 1 minute. Serve over rice or your favorite substitute.

Enjoy your quick and easy Instant Pot pepper steak!