Description
Chinese Pepper Steak is a savory stir-fry dish that blends tender slices of beef with crisp bell peppers, onions, and a rich, garlicky sauce. A staple of Chinese-American takeout, this dish delivers bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and an aromatic experience that delights the senses. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, pepper steak is cooked quickly at high heat, allowing the ingredients to retain their flavor and texture while absorbing the essence of the sauce.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 large onion, sliced into wedges
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch, for coating beef
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon sesame oil
½ cup beef broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Instructions
Prepare the Beef: Pat the sliced flank steak dry with paper towels. This ensures a proper sear and prevents steaming. Toss the beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and a light pinch of salt and pepper. This coating helps seal in moisture and gives a smooth, velvety texture once cooked.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth. Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Set aside. This combination creates a deeply flavorful, glossy sauce that will coat each ingredient evenly.
Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. Remove and set aside. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and onions, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a slight crunch.
Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pan. Pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce come to a gentle boil, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until thickened. The cornstarch will help create that signature glossy finish.
Serve: Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra heat, include fresh sliced chili or increase red pepper flakes.
- To ensure tenderness, always slice the beef against the grain.
- Substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if needed.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well the next day.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 1/4 of total recipe)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1025mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg