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
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain.
- In a bowl, mix beef with:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- salt and black pepper
- 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
- Boil ramen noodles according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes).
- Drain and rinse quickly with cool water so they don’t overcook.
- 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
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tbsp oil.
- Add beef in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Remove beef and set aside.
Tip: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding makes the beef steam.
Step 5: Stir-fry the vegetables
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
You want the peppers slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Add sauce and thicken
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
Step 7: Combine everything
- Add the cooked beef back to the pan.
- Add the ramen noodles.
- Toss everything well until the noodles are coated in the sauce.
- 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
