Pepper Steak Ramen Noodles Recipe (30 Minutes) | Easy Beef Dinner

Pepper Steak Ramen Noodles (Full Recipe) A quick, flavorful pepper steak ramen noodles recipe with tender sliced beef, bell peppers, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a fast dinner or meal prep lunch.

Time + Servings

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Beef

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)

For the Noodles

  • 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
  • Water for boiling

Vegetables

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional, for color)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)

Pepper Steak Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for finishing)

Garnish (Optional)

  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and marinate the beef

  1. Thinly slice the beef against the grain.
  2. In a bowl, mix beef with:
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • salt and black pepper
  3. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables and sauce.

Tip: Thin slices cook fast and stay tender.

Step 2: Cook the ramen noodles

  1. Boil ramen noodles according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes).
  2. Drain and rinse quickly with cool water so they don’t overcook.
  3. Set aside.

Important: Do not use the seasoning packets.

Step 3: Make the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • soy sauce
  • oyster sauce
  • hoisin sauce
  • brown sugar/honey
  • black pepper
  • chili flakes (if using)
  • beef broth/water

Keep the cornstarch slurry separate for later.

Step 4: Sear the beef

  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add 1 tbsp oil.
  3. Add beef in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
  4. Remove beef and set aside.

Tip: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding makes the beef steam.

Step 5: Stir-fry the vegetables

  1. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
  2. Add onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

You want the peppers slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Add sauce and thicken

  1. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.

Step 7: Combine everything

  1. Add the cooked beef back to the pan.
  2. Add the ramen noodles.
  3. Toss everything well until the noodles are coated in the sauce.
  4. Drizzle sesame oil (optional) and mix.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes until hot.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Top with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak Ramen Noodles

  • Use flank steak or sirloin for tender results.
  • Slice thinly against the grain so the beef stays soft.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles or they’ll get mushy.
  • Add extra broth/water if you want more sauce.
  • Increase black pepper for a stronger pepper steak flavor.

Easy Variations

1) Spicy Pepper Steak Ramen

Add more chili flakes or sriracha.

2) Veggie-Loaded Version

Add broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots.

3) Sweet-Savory Version

Add 1 extra tsp honey.

4) Low-Carb Version

Replace ramen with zucchini noodles or cabbage noodles.

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat: Pan on medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce

Quick Serving Ideas

  • Serve with a cucumber salad
  • Add a fried egg on top
  • Pair with spring rolls or dumplings