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Chinese Pepper Steak

Chinese Pepper Steak
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Authentic Chinese Pepper Steak is a quick and easy stir-fry dish featuring tender beef slices and crisp bell peppers tossed in a savory, peppery sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines bold flavors with nutritious ingredients for a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or veggies and uses traditional Chinese seasonings for genuine taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup bell peppers (green, red, yellow), sliced into strips
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional or gluten-free version)
  • 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt (for beef coating)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for high-heat stir-frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice beef sirloin or flank steak into thin, bite-sized strips against the grain. Toss the beef with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a pinch of salt to tenderize and create a velvety texture once cooked.
  2. Chop Vegetables and Aromatics: Cut bell peppers into strips, thinly slice the onion, mince garlic, and grate fresh ginger to release their fresh flavors.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and a splash (about 1/4 cup) of water or beef broth to create a savory, peppery glaze.
  4. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Quickly stir-fry the beef strips until just browned but still tender, then remove and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  5. Cook the Vegetables: Add a bit more oil if needed, then stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant. Toss in the onions and bell peppers and cook until crisp-tender and vibrant.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  7. Final Touches: Sprinkle fresh ground black pepper on top for a signature spicy aroma. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Slice the beef thinly to ensure quick cooking and tenderness.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Cook on high heat to keep vegetables crisp and beef juicy.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
  • Marinate beef briefly with cornstarch and soy sauce to lock in moisture and flavor.
  • Vegetarian variation: substitute beef with tofu, seitan, or mushrooms.
  • For a spicy twist, add fresh chili slices or chili flakes.
  • To make gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify oyster sauce is gluten-free.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese pepper steak, pepper steak recipe, authentic Chinese stir-fry, beef stir-fry, quick Chinese dinner, gluten-free Chinese recipe, easy pepper steak

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/chinese-pepper-steak/