Chinese Pepper Steak is a quick and tasty dish that features tender beef, crunchy bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
What’s great about this dish is the colorful veggies and tender meat that everyone loves. I usually serve it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s a simple hit at the dinner table! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is ideal for stir-frying due to its tenderness. If you can’t find flank steak, you can substitute it with sirloin or skirt steak. Just remember to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. You can use other bell pepper colors like yellow or orange for a sweeter taste. If you need a low-carb option, swap them out for broccoli or snap peas.
Soy Sauce: This is a must-have for the savory flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you’re vegetarian or don’t have this on hand, you can replace it with mushroom sauce or even a mix of soy sauce and a hint of sugar for sweetness.
How Do I Get My Beef Tender and Flavorful?
Getting the right texture for beef is crucial. Here’s how to keep it tender:
- Slice the beef thin and against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers, which helps the meat stay tender.
- Marinate the beef for at least 15-20 minutes. Soaking it in soy sauce and a bit of cornstarch helps to flavor the meat and adds some tenderness.
- Stir-fry quickly over high heat. This prevents overcooking. When you add the beef to the hot skillet, it should sizzle!
Following these tips ensures your beef has the right texture and flavor in this dish.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry (optional, for marinating)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend 15-20 minutes marinating the steak and about 10-15 minutes cooking everything. It’s quick and perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and rice wine (if you’re using it). Mix everything well and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps to make your beef tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the beef is marinating, whisk together in a small bowl the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), beef broth, sugar, black pepper, and the remaining cornstarch until it’s smooth. Set this aside; we’ll use it soon!
3. Stir-Fry the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and quickly stir-fry until it’s nearly cooked through—about 2-3 minutes. When done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside so we can cook the veggies.
4. Cook the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and diced onions. Stir-fry this mix for about 1 minute until everything is fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Add the Bell Peppers:
Next, add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still have some crunch.
6. Combine Everything Together:
Return the beef to the skillet with the veggies. Give your sauce mixture a quick stir to recombine, then pour it over the beef and vegetables. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes so that the sauce thickens and everything is nicely coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Taste your dish and add more black pepper if you like. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions! Serve your colorful Chinese Pepper Steak hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! If flank steak isn’t available, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time slightly so everything stays crisp and tender.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, but you could also serve it with fried rice or noodles for a heartier meal. For a lighter option, consider a side of stir-fried greens or a simple salad!
