Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

ByEmma

If you’re craving the bold, savory flavors of Chinese takeout but want to skip the delivery fee and mystery ingredients, you’re in the right place. This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s way healthier than the greasy takeout version. Let’s dive in!

Contents

What Makes This Recipe Special

This dish is all about balance: tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory-sweet sauce that coats every bite. The secret lies in the marinade—it tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor. And don’t worry, this isn’t one of those recipes that requires a laundry list of hard-to-find ingredients. It’s straightforward, foolproof, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pepper steak:

For the Marinade:

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin (sliced thinly against the grain)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (this helps tenderize the beef)
  • 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry (optional, but adds depth)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (for that nutty aroma)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
  • 1 green bell pepper (sliced into strips)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (adds a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 tsp sugar (balances the saltiness)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

  1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine, and sesame oil.
  2. Mix well, ensuring every piece of beef is coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour if you have time).

Pro Tip: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures it stays tender after cooking. If you’re not sure what that means, look for the lines running through the meat and cut perpendicular to them.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
  3. Sear the beef for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the beef at this stage—it will finish cooking later with the veggies.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
  2. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

  1. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce.
  2. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies.

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese pepper steak is incredibly versatile. Serve it over:

  • Steamed jasmine rice (my personal favorite)
  • Brown rice (for a healthier option)
  • Noodles (if you’re feeling adventurous)

Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

  1. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It’s the secret to tender beef and a glossy, thick sauce.
  2. High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about speed and high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients.
  3. Customize Your Veggies: Not a fan of bell peppers? Swap in broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.
  4. Make It Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like a little heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese pepper steak is quick, flavorful, and customizable. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is actually light and wholesome. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies lurking in your fridge.

So, the next time you’re tempted to order takeout, give this recipe a try. I promise, once you taste how easy and delicious homemade Chinese food can be, you’ll never look back.

Happy cooking!

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