Description
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe features tender strips of marinated flank steak stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic stir-fry dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, served best 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 & Cooking
- 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 flank steak or sirloin with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to evenly coat the beef. This step helps tenderize the meat and prepares it for a perfect stir-fry texture.
- Let it Marinate: Allow the beef to rest and marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- 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 along with the sliced onion. Stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly softened but still crisp, then remove them from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Continue cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring these aromatics release their flavors into the beef.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the cooked bell peppers and onions to the pan with the beef. Pour in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/4 cup of water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Finish Stir-frying: Cook the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the pepper steak hot over freshly steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Slicing the beef thinly against the grain helps keep the meat tender.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or snap peas for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the stir-fry.
- Make sure the skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to ensure proper searing.
