Description: Chinese Pepper Steak is a classic and comforting dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, colorful bell peppers, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s both satisfying and relatively quick to prepare. The dish is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences, allowing for variations in spice levels and vegetable choices. With its bold flavors and hearty appeal, Chinese Pepper Steak is sure to become a family favorite. Prepare to be transported to the bustling streets of a Chinese eatery with every flavorful bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its rich flavor and ability to remain tender when cooked quickly at high heat. Slicing it thinly against the grain ensures maximum tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a savory, umami-rich base for the marinade, helping to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor. Use a low-sodium version to control the overall salt content.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the soy sauce and other savory ingredients. It also helps to tenderize the beef.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the marinade, helping it to cling to the beef during cooking and create a glossy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying the beef and vegetables. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, as well as a pleasant textural element. Yellow or white onions work well in this recipe.
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced: Bell peppers provide a burst of color and sweetness to the dish. You can use any color of bell pepper, or a combination of colors, depending on your preference. Red and yellow bell peppers tend to be sweeter than green bell peppers.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the dish. Fresh ginger is preferred over powdered ginger for its brighter flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Beef broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps to create a rich, savory base. You can use homemade or store-bought beef broth.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Oyster sauce is a thick, savory sauce made from oyster extracts. It adds a unique umami flavor and a glossy sheen to the dish. If you’re vegetarian or allergic to shellfish, you can substitute with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste, garlic, and spices. It adds a complex flavor and a slight sweetness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the dish. Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Sugar balances the savory and acidic flavors in the sauce and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Cooked rice, for serving: Cooked rice is the perfect accompaniment to Chinese Pepper Steak, providing a neutral base that allows the flavors of the dish to shine.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. This marinade will tenderize the steak and infuse it with savory flavors, setting the foundation for a delicious dish. The cornstarch will also help thicken the sauce during cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak: Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Ensure that each slice is well covered to maximize flavor absorption. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables: While the steak is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger. Having all the vegetables prepped and ready will streamline the cooking process.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it is shimmering. Add the marinated steak to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than stir-fried steak. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still crisp-tender.
Step 6: Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute, or until fragrant. The garlic and ginger will infuse the vegetables with their aromatic flavors, adding another layer of complexity to the dish.
Step 7: Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 8: Thicken the Sauce: Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the steak is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 9: Season to Taste: Season the Chinese Pepper Steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.
Step 10: Serve: Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: The combination of savory steak, crisp vegetables, and a rich, umami-packed sauce creates a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences by using different vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or substituting ingredients.
- Healthy: This dish is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and wholesome meal.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a variety of serving options.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete and balanced meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a side of hot and sour soup for a classic Chinese dining experience.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Tips:
- For the most tender steak, slice it thinly against the grain.
- Marinating the steak for at least 15 minutes will help to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
- Use a hot skillet or wok to stir-fry the steak and vegetables for the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than stir-fried ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
Chinese Pepper Steak is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. With its tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The recipe is easy to follow, quick to prepare, and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe to be a winner. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and authentic Chinese Pepper Steak! This is a recipe that is bound to make your family, friends, and guests ask for more. So, don’t wait any further, and whip this recipe up!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef? A: Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin steak or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Q2: I don’t have oyster sauce. What can I use instead? A: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this dish? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q4: How can I make this dish spicier? A: To add a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha sauce before serving.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the steak and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine them in a skillet and heat through with the sauce.
