Chinese Pepper Steak is a tasty dish featuring tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy nights!
It’s so good that I could eat it five nights a week! Don’t forget to serve it over rice—it makes cleanup less messy, and you’ll love the combo! 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best for this dish due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Bell Peppers: Green and red bell peppers add color and crunch. You can substitute with yellow or orange peppers for sweetness, or even use broccoli or snap peas for a different texture.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce gives a rich flavor to the dish. If you can’t find it, soy sauce mixed with a little bit of hoisin can mimic the taste pretty well. For a vegan option, look for mushroom-based oyster sauce.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy taste. If you’re out, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch.
How Do I Get Tender Beef in My Stir-Fry?
To achieve tender beef, slicing it against the grain is crucial. This breaks up the muscle fibers, making each bite softer. Marinating the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch not only enhances flavor but also adds a slight coating that helps keep it juicy during cooking.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the beef thinly and evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps achieve a good sear.
- Keep the cooking time short—just a few minutes for browning. The beef will cook further with the veggies and sauce later.
Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For The Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For The Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
For Serving:
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Steamed white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. So, in about 25 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade Chinese pepper steak!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This will tenderize the beef and enhance its flavor. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes so the flavors can soak in.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp and colorful.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Now, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, but be careful not to burn them!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, beef broth (or water), and black pepper. Mix everything together well to coat the beef and veggies in that delicious sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This is the perfect moment for all those flavors to meld together!
7. Final Touches:
Adjust the seasoning with extra black pepper if you’re feeling adventurous! Once you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to serve.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed rice. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and decoration. Enjoy your heartwarming meal!
Now you have a delightful Chinese pepper steak recipe that’s quick to make and packed with flavor!
Can I Substitute the Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breast, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time—chicken and pork will take slightly longer, while tofu cooks quickly.
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and hoisin sauce can work as a substitute. For a vegan option, look for mushroom-based oyster sauce available in many grocery stores.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw your beef completely before cooking for even cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly under cold running water. Once thawed, slice against the grain for tenderness.
