When I was a kid my mother made pepper steak on a regular basis. She'd use a round steak and cook it too hot and too fast so it was always tough as could be - but it tasted mighty good. I hadn't thought of it in years until a few days ago. The sirloin steak is much more tender, and because the recipe only calls for 1/2 pound it's pretty cheap. Don't be tempted to add more meat, the steak is only one ingredient. (Larger image.) Serves 2 as a one-course meal.