Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers: A Flavorful Stir-Fry Delight
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers is a delicious and colorful dish that brings the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen. With tender slices of beef and a vibrant medley of bell peppers and onions, this dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-follow recipe will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄4 lbs (570 g) flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper (75 g), sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper (75 g), sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper (75 g), sliced
- 1 large onion (150 g), thick slices
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 g) ginger, optional
- 2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml) vegetable oil
Marinade
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
Sauce Mix
- 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce, optional
- 1 tbsp (13 g) brown sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp (6 g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
Directions
-
Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir well to coat. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
-
Sear the Beef: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef. Sear until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
-
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thickly sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
-
Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the beef to the pan. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, and water to form the sauce mix. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the pan. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
-
Serve: Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak hot over a bed of fluffy rice.
Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25-40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Info: Approximately 320 calories per serving (not including rice).
How to Serve
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers is best served hot over a bowl of steaming white or fried rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, ensuring every bite is delicious. You can also garnish the dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and a pop of color.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute flank or sirloin steak with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
To add more heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the sautéing process.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the marinade and slice the vegetables ahead of time. Just be sure to store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.