Description
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe features tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful stir-fry that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce and Cooking Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well ensuring the beef is evenly coated.
- Rest the Marinade: Let the beef marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion; stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly softened but still crisp.
- Set Vegetables Aside: Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan and increase the heat to high. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned on all sides.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, cooking for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Add Sauce: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the ingredients in the sauce.
- Final Stir-fry: Stir-fry the combined mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives.
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; powdered ginger can be used but reduce quantity to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for variety.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preference for spiciness.
