Chinese Pepper Steak

Introduction

Chinese Pepper Steak is a flavorful, stir-fried dish that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and a savory sauce. This dish is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, loved for its bold, peppery flavor and satisfying texture. The seared beef, paired with the crisp vegetables, creates a perfect harmony of tastes, while the rich sauce brings it all together with a touch of umami.

I first tried making Chinese Pepper Steak at home when I was craving the same bold flavors I’d enjoyed at my favorite Chinese restaurant. It’s surprisingly simple to put together, and the result is just as good, if not better, than anything I’ve had out. The combination of tender beef and crunchy bell peppers, all coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce, is simply irresistible.

What I love about Chinese Pepper Steak is that it’s a one-pan wonder. You can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner with rice or noodles, and it’s a great way to impress guests with minimal effort. The peppery kick from the bell peppers and the rich sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Special family meals
• Chinese-inspired takeout cravings
• Quick and easy weeknight meals
• Stir-fry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chinese Pepper Steak is a dish you’ll fall in love with:

• Flavorful and Savory: The dish is packed with layers of flavor, with the savory soy sauce, fresh ginger, and bold black pepper elevating the steak and vegetables.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fast dinner solution.
• Tender Beef: The beef is marinated before cooking, making it tender and juicy, and the quick stir-frying helps lock in all the flavors.
• Customizable Vegetables: You can mix and match different vegetables, such as onions, mushrooms, or snap peas, to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one pan, making clean-up easy and hassle-free after a delicious meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Chinese Pepper Steak:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts of beef are perfect for stir-frying because they’re tender, juicy, and can be sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Bell Peppers and Onion: These vegetables add a natural sweetness, color, and crunch to the dish, complementing the savory beef and sauce.
• Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These provide the rich umami flavor that is the base of the sauce.
• Black Pepper: The star of the dish, adding a bold, spicy kick that defines the flavor profile of the stir-fry.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce slightly, giving it a luscious consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chinese Pepper Steak:

Marinate the Beef:

1. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak or sirloin against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch wide. This helps ensure the beef stays tender after cooking.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Marinate the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade, toss to coat, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cook the Vegetables:

4. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic.
5. Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

Cook the Beef:

7. Cook the Beef: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, letting it sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring. Stir-fry the beef for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through.
8. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, ½ cup of beef broth (or water), and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (if using). Stir until the cornstarch dissolves.
9. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.

Combine and Serve:

10. Add the Vegetables: Return the stir-fried vegetables to the pan with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute to heat through.
11. Serve: Drizzle the dish with a little sesame oil (optional) and serve immediately over cooked rice.

How to Serve

Here are some serving suggestions for Chinese Pepper Steak:

• Serve Over Rice: Pair the pepper steak with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some extra stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for a more filling dish.
• As a Wrap: Serve the beef and vegetable mixture in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, fresh twist.
• With Noodles: Serve the pepper steak over noodles, such as rice noodles or lo-mein, for a comforting, noodle-based meal.
• With Sautéed Greens: Pair with sautéed spinach or bok choy to add some extra leafy greens to the meal.
• Topped with Sesame Seeds: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
• With Fried Rice: Serve alongside Chinese fried rice for an authentic takeout-style experience.
• As a Salad: For a lighter version, serve the beef and vegetables over a bed of mixed greens for a Chinese-inspired salad.
• With Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra soy sauce or a spicy chili-garlic sauce on the side for added flavor.
• For a Buffet: Serve in a large bowl as part of a buffet or family-style dinner.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips for making the perfect Chinese Pepper Steak:

• Thinly Slice the Beef: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain ensures that it remains tender and cooks quickly.
• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables just until they’re crisp-tender for the best texture.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste—more for a spicier kick!
• Use a Wok: A wok works best for stir-frying, as its shape allows the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly over high heat.
• Use Fresh Ginger: If you have fresh ginger on hand, grate a small piece and add it to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
• Prepare Ahead: You can prep the beef and vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook, making dinner even faster.
• Add Mushrooms: For added depth of flavor, throw in some sliced mushrooms when cooking the vegetables.
• Opt for Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To control the sodium levels in this dish, consider using low-sodium soy sauce.
• Serve Immediately: Chinese Pepper Steak tastes best when served fresh, as the beef stays tender and the vegetables remain crisp.
• Experiment with Sauces: For a different twist, try adding hoisin sauce or black bean paste to the stir-fry sauce for a unique flavor.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chinese Pepper Steak:

• Spicy Pepper Steak: Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the stir-fry for an extra heat boost.
• Mongolian Pepper Steak: Add sliced scallions and a little brown sugar to the sauce to create a sweet and savory Mongolian-inspired dish.
• Cashew Pepper Steak: Toss in roasted cashews or almonds at the end for a crunchy texture.
• Ginger Pepper Steak: Add fresh grated ginger to the sauce for an extra aromatic flavor.
• Pineapple Pepper Steak: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the stir-fry for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Orange Pepper Steak: Use fresh orange juice in the sauce for a citrusy note.
• Beef and Broccoli Pepper Steak: Add steamed or stir-fried broccoli to the dish for a more filling meal.
• Pepper Steak with Snow Peas: Swap out the bell peppers for snow peas for a different texture and flavor.
• Sweet and Sour Pepper Steak: Add a bit of ketchup and vinegar to the sauce for a tangy, sweet, and savory twist.
• Peanut Pepper Steak: Garnish with crushed peanuts for a nutty flavor and texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store the beef and vegetables separately from the rice, and reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover Chinese Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to prevent the dish from drying out.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to help you prepare Chinese Pepper Steak:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet allows for fast stir-frying and ensures even cooking.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the beef thinly against the grain.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Use measuring spoons and cups to ensure accuracy in the sauce ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: Have separate bowls for marinating the beef and mixing the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir-fry and toss the ingredients without damaging the pan.
• Garlic Press: A garlic press can save time when mincing garlic.
• Grater: A grater is useful for grating fresh ginger if you prefer using fresh over ground ginger.
• Tongs: Tongs are great for handling the beef during stir-frying and ensuring even cooking.
• Sifter: A sifter is handy if you’re using cornstarch to thicken the sauce, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Serving Platters: Use large serving platters to present the pepper steak and rice in an elegant way.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other cuts of beef?
   Yes, you can use other tender cuts such as ribeye or tenderloin for this dish, but flank steak or sirloin works best for stir-frying.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can replace the beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a vegetarian version.
3. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
   If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce for a similar savory taste.
4. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Yes, add more black pepper, fresh chili, or a dash of hot sauce to adjust the spice level to your liking.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, feel free to double the ingredients if you’re cooking for a larger group. Just make sure to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Print

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry that’s both easy to prepare and packed with bold, savory flavors. The tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, peppery sauce create a delicious balance of textures and tastes. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or in fresh lettuce wraps, this dish is versatile enough to suit any craving. It’s a great option for quick weeknight dinners or for impressing guests during special occasions.

This dish offers plenty of room for customization. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer peppers, swap the beef for chicken or tofu, or even experiment with different vegetables to make it your own. The rich, savory sauce brings everything together beautifully, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. It’s a great way to bring the taste of Chinese cuisine into your own kitchen.

I can’t wait to see how your Chinese Pepper Steak turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation. Feel free to leave a comment sharing how you customized the dish to suit your tastes!