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Chinese Pepper Steak

Chinese Pepper Steak

Chinese Pepper Steak is a quick and easy Chinese-American classic featuring tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory, peppery soy-based sauce. This flavorful and healthy recipe combines authentic ingredients to deliver a bold taste with a satisfying texture, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch, plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1/3 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for extra sweetness and depth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips, ensuring tenderness. Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips. Mince the garlic and ginger finely to release their aroma during cooking.
  2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the beef strips with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let it rest for 10 minutes. The cornstarch seals in juices and creates a velvety texture once cooked.
  3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pan or wok over high heat. Add beef strips in a single layer and cook about 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add bell peppers and onion, stir-frying for a few minutes until crisp-tender yet vibrant and slightly crunchy.
  5. Combine and Finish the Sauce: Return the beef to the pan. Add remaining soy sauce, beef broth, generous freshly ground black pepper, and the cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Use high heat when stir-frying to lock in flavors and keep vegetables crisp.
  • Marinate beef to enhance flavor and juiciness.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference.
  • Cook vegetables last to maintain their bright color and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese Pepper Steak, pepper steak recipe, quick Chinese stir fry, beef and bell peppers, gluten free dinner, easy weeknight dinner