If you have been searching for a delicious, comforting dish that satisfies your cravings for bold flavors while keeping everything 100% plant-based, this Vegan Pepper Steak is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, colorful medley bursting with tender soy curls soaking up a rich, savory sauce, complemented perfectly by the sweet crunch of bell peppers and the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger. Every bite delivers a satisfying texture and depth of flavor that will have you reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings the classic pepper steak night to your table with a wholesome twist.

Vegan Pepper Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Pepper Steak lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role. Fresh, crisp bell peppers add a vivid splash of color and natural sweetness, while the soy curls provide the hearty, meaty bite that mimics traditional steak perfectly. Aromatics like garlic and ginger elevate the flavor profile, and the sauce ingredients tie everything together with a balance of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet notes.

Soy Curls (8 ounces / about 4 cups): These rehydrate into tender, chewy pieces that soak up all those delicious sauce flavors like a dream.
Broth (3 cups vegan beef or vegetable broth with splash of soy sauce): Used to rehydrate soy curls and add depth during cooking.
Red, Green, and Yellow Bell Peppers (1 each, sliced): Each adds vibrant sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Medium Onion (1, sliced): Brings natural sweetness and balances the peppers’ flavors.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers a punch of aromatic goodness that wakes up the palate.
Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds a warm, zesty kick that enhances the sauce.
Soy Sauce or Tamari (1/4 cup): The salty backbone of the savory sauce.
Hoisin Sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides a luscious sweet and tangy character with subtle complexity.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with a hint of acidity.
Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar (1 tablespoon): Balances savory with a little natural sweetness.
Cornstarch mixed with water (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Creates the perfect glossy sauce that clings to every ingredient.
Optional Garnishes – Sliced Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Red Pepper Flakes: These give an extra pop of color, texture, and a touch of heat if desired.

How to Make Vegan Pepper Steak

Step 1: Rehydrate the Soy Curls

Start by soaking the soy curls in hot vegan beef or vegetable broth infused with a bit of soy sauce for about 10 minutes. This step is essential because it softens the curls while seasoning them deeply, allowing them to soak up all the wonderful flavors you’ll add later. After soaking, drain and gently squeeze out any excess liquid to ensure your soy curls get perfectly crispy when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Soy Curls

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the drained soy curls. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to brown and develop a delicious, slightly crispy exterior. This browning process adds texture and mimics the mouthfeel of traditional steak, making this Vegan Pepper Steak truly satisfying.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Next up, toss in the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Cook everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. These aromatics bring warmth and a zesty edge that gives the dish its signature flavor complexity.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the onion to the pan. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the vegetables become tender-crisp. This timing helps them retain their bright colors and crisp texture, which beautifully contrasts the soft soy curls.

Step 5: Prepare and Combine the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup or agave nectar. Pour this savory-sweet blend over the vegetables and soy curls in the skillet, stirring everything to coat evenly. The sauce is the heart of the Vegan Pepper Steak, infusing every bite with rich layers of flavor.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Keep stirring continuously as the sauce thickens, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. This thick, glossy sauce clings perfectly to the soy curls and veggies, making each mouthful a saucy delight.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Once thickened and flavorful, remove the Vegan Pepper Steak from the heat. Garnish as you like—for classic flair, sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes bring it all home. Serve it piping hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete, hearty meal.

How to Serve Vegan Pepper Steak

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this dish to something truly special. Sliced green onions add a fresh, mild bite and beautiful color contrast. Toasted sesame seeds introduce a nutty crunch that’s irresistible, while red pepper flakes offer a customizable heat level to spice things up just how you like it.

Side Dishes

Vegan Pepper Steak pairs wonderfully with fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve alongside quinoa or warm noodles. Steamed greens such as bok choy or broccoli rabe add an additional layer of texture and nutrition for a well-rounded plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to surprise your guests? Try serving this Vegan Pepper Steak over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or stuff it inside a warm pita or wrap with fresh lettuce for a delightful handheld meal. Presentation with colorful garnishes like finely chopped cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil can transform this weeknight favorite into something festive and restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Pepper Steak keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen slightly with time, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for up to two months. Just let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, and label with the date. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Vegan Pepper Steak gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in storage. Avoid microwave reheating for better texture and flavor retention.

FAQs

What are soy curls, and why use them?

Soy curls are whole soybeans that have been cooked, shredded, and dried, making them a fantastic meat alternative with a chewy texture that soaks up sauces wonderfully. They are a great plant-based protein choice in Vegan Pepper Steak to mimic the texture of steak.

Can I use other vegetables in the Vegan Pepper Steak?

Absolutely! While the classic includes bell peppers and onions, feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli florets. Just adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp and vibrant.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Always check labels, especially when substituting ingredients.

How spicy is Vegan Pepper Steak?

The base recipe is mild, but garnishing with red pepper flakes or adding a dash of chili oil can bring up the heat level to suit your taste perfectly.

Can I prepare Vegan Pepper Steak ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soy curls and chop the vegetables ahead of time. The dish also reheats very well, making it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pepper Steak is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your rotation because it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It brings all the mouthwatering, comforting flavors of a classic steak dinner but in a wholly plant-based, nourishing package. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. So go ahead—whip up this vibrant dish and share the love of vegan cooking with everyone at your table.