Name: Vegan Pepper Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 8 oz soy curls (around 4 cups); 3 ¼ cups vegan beef broth or vegetable broth; 2 medium bell peppers, sliced (green and red); 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1-2 teaspoons minced ginger, to taste; ¾ – 1 cup water (reserve ¼ cup water); 7 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons coconut sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons mirin; 1 ½ tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Pepper Steak is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for everyone, whether you are a vegan or just looking to eat a bit healthier. The blend of soy curls and bell peppers gives this meal a flavorful and hearty texture, making it a great option for dinner. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Enjoy it over rice or on its own for a filling meal that leaves you feeling good.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Vegan Pepper Steak

Ingredients

8 ounce bag (around 4 cups) soy curls (see note 1)
3 ¼ cups vegan beef broth or vegetable broth (see note 2)
2 medium bell peppers, sliced (we used green and red)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 teaspoons minced ginger, to taste
¾ – 1 cup water (reserve ¼ cup water)
7 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce (see note 3 for GF option)
3 tablespoons coconut sugar (or any sugar)
1 ½ tablespoons mirin (see note 4 for sub)
1 ½ tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Directions

If serving with rice, start cooking it now. If using brown rice, start it before beginning the recipe.
Soak the soy curls in a medium bowl with broth. Discard any powder at the bottom. Let it sit for 10-12 minutes.
Measure and prep the other ingredients: chop peppers, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
Once soy curls are mostly soaked, drain and dry fry them in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Work with one handful at a time, squeezing out excess broth, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly browned. Stir often.
Add the sliced peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together reserved water, soy sauce, mirin, coconut sugar, and arrowroot powder or cornstarch until smooth.
Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for one minute. Then reduce the heat to medium.
Pour in the sauce and stir constantly for about a minute until thickened. If it gets too thick, add reserved water slowly until desired consistency is reached.
Remove from heat, season with fresh cracked black pepper (and salt if needed), and serve over rice. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion.

Leftovers can be refrigerated separately from the rice in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Serve Vegan Pepper Steak

Serve Vegan Pepper Steak hot over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. You can also enjoy it on its own or with a side of vegetables to make a complete meal. Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds a nice touch.

How to Store Vegan Pepper Steak

Store any leftover Vegan Pepper Steak in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate the rice from the stir-fry to keep everything fresh.

Tips to Make Vegan Pepper Steak

If you want extra flavor, feel free to add in other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Adjust the sauce’s sweetness by adding more or less coconut sugar according to your taste.
For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Variation

You can substitute soy curls with other plant-based protein options such as tempeh or tofu. Simply follow the same cooking directions for best results.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of minced?
A: Yes, fresh ginger works well in this recipe. Just grate it to get the right flavor.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the Vegan Pepper Steak in advance and heat it up when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge or freezer.