Name: Chinese Pepper Steak: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips; 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Cooked white rice, for serving; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional); Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Chinese Pepper Steak: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of a bustling Chinese kitchen! Forget takeout tonight because I'm going to show you how to create this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. This isn't just another stir-fry; it's a symphony of savory flavors and tender textures that will leave you craving more.

Pepper steak, while often found on Chinese-American restaurant menus, draws inspiration from classic Cantonese stir-fry techniques. The dish showcases the beautiful simplicity of Chinese cooking, where fresh ingredients and vibrant sauces come together in perfect harmony. It's a testament to the resourcefulness of adapting traditional flavors to suit local palates, resulting in a beloved dish enjoyed by millions.

What makes Chinese Pepper Steak so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of tender, thinly sliced steak, crisp-tender bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce that clings to every morsel. The slight sweetness of the peppers complements the umami-packed sauce, creating a flavor explosion with each bite. Plus, it's incredibly quick and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Chinese Pepper Steak!

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

1 large green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, peeled and minced

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

Cooked white rice, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Steak:

First, let's get the steak ready. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Mix everything together really well, making sure the steak is evenly coated. This marinade will help tenderize the steak and give it a fantastic flavor.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to a couple of hours for even better results. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the steak will be.

Preparing the Vegetables:

While the steak is marinating, let's prep the vegetables. Wash and dry the green and red bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes, and then slice them into strips that are about 1/4 inch thick.
Peel the yellow onion and slice it into similar-sized strips.
Mince the garlic cloves and ginger. You can use a garlic press for the garlic, and a microplane or grater for the ginger. Make sure they are finely minced so they distribute evenly in the dish.
Set the prepared vegetables aside in a bowl. We'll be using them later when we stir-fry everything together.

Making the Sauce:

Now, let's whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick).
Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the liquid to prevent any lumps in the sauce.
Set the sauce aside. We'll be adding it to the stir-fry later to create that delicious, glossy coating.

Cooking the Pepper Steak:

Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. It's important to get the pan really hot before adding the steak.
Add about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Make sure the oil is shimmering before you add the steak.
Carefully add the marinated steak to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
Stir-fry the steak for about 2-3 minutes, or until it's browned on all sides and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough.
Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss it with the vegetables and sauce. Make sure the steak is evenly coated with the sauce.
Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving:

Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak immediately over cooked white rice.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful homemade Chinese Pepper Steak!

Conclusion:

This isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal. The tender strips of steak, the vibrant bell peppers, and that savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy sauce – it all comes together in perfect harmony. It's a dish that's both comforting and exciting, familiar yet uniquely flavorful. Why is it a must-try? Because it delivers restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant price tag or the lengthy wait. It's also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the level of spice to your liking – add more chili flakes for an extra kick, or omit them altogether for a milder flavor. The recipe is also surprisingly adaptable to different dietary needs. You can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. And if you're looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting the steak with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms – both absorb the sauce beautifully. But the real magic lies in the simplicity of the preparation. From start to finish, you're looking at about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. No need to hunt down exotic spices or spend hours prepping – this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let's talk about serving suggestions! My personal favorite is to serve this Chinese Pepper Steak over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating the perfect bite. But you can also serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed broccoli. Here are a few variations to consider: * Add some heat: As mentioned before, feel free to add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. * Incorporate other vegetables: Sliced onions, mushrooms, or even snow peas would be delicious additions to this dish. * Make it a stir-fry: Toss in some cooked noodles and extra vegetables for a complete stir-fry meal. * Spice it up with ginger: Add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for a warmer, spicier flavor. * Make it sweeter: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweeter flavor. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a special occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe a try! I promise you won't be disappointed. And don't forget to come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear how it turned out and any variations you tried. Happy cooking! I can't wait to hear about your culinary adventures. Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to help. Enjoy!