Description
Chinese Pepper Steak is a flavorful, stir-fried dish that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and a savory sauce. It’s a classic dish commonly found in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its bold, peppery flavor and satisfying texture. The combination of seared beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich sauce creates an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal that can be easily made at home. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or looking to impress guests with a flavorful Asian-inspired dish, Chinese Pepper Steak is a perfect choice.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Serve: Drizzle the dish with a little sesame oil (optional) and serve immediately over cooked rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 30g