Savory Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Are you on the hunt for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine? Look no further than this flavorful and satisfying Chinese Pepper Steak Dish recipe! With tender slices of flank steak or sirloin, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce that ties it all together, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.

There’s something truly special about the way the colors and aromas of this Chinese Pepper Steak Dish draw everyone into the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in the glossy sauce will have your taste buds dancing with each bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is approachable yet impressive, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Plus, with tips on ingredient swaps and storage options, you can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences and have leftovers ready for a quick and tasty meal the next day. Dive into the world of Chinese-American comfort food with this mouthwatering Chinese Pepper Steak Dish – your taste buds will thank you!

Quick Benefits

• Flank or sirloin steak, sliced thinly against the grain, ensures juicy, tender bites.
• Stir-fry bell peppers and onions over high heat for just 4-5 minutes, keeping them tender-crisp.
• Steamed white rice or jasmine rice balances the flavors and soaks up the savory sauce perfectly.
• Cornstarch helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce, creating a silky coating over the ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Colorful and Flavorful: The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic sauce creates a visually appealing and flavorful dish that will excite your taste buds.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out the protein, use different vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.
• Family Favorite: A recipe that has become a tradition in many households, loved by both adults and kids alike for its bold flavors and comforting appeal.
• Meal Prep and Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy grab-and-go lunches or freeze for future meals, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Adaptable for Special Dietary Needs: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using tamari or coconut aminos, and can be customized for vegetarians or vegans with tofu substitutions.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the taste of a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home, impressing guests or satisfying your cravings without ordering takeout.
• Traditional and Innovative Fusion: A dish inspired by classic Chinese flavors, adapted for American kitchens, bringing together traditional and modern elements for a delightful meal experience.
• High Praise from Others: Testimonials from friends and family who have tried and loved this recipe, ensuring that it’s a crowd-pleaser that will garner compliments and empty plates.
• Perfect Balance of Textures: Tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a silky sauce create a perfect balance of textures in every bite, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

Ingredients for Savory Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Beef and Vegetables

• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, cut into thick slices

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Stir Fry Sauce

• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Pro Tips for Savory Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

To ensure your Chinese pepper steak turns out tender and juicy, thinly slice the flank or sirloin steak against the grain. This method breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.

When stir-frying the bell peppers and onions, cook them over high heat for just 4-5 minutes to maintain their tender-crisp texture. This quick cooking method preserves the vibrant colors and natural sweetness of the vegetables.

For a complete meal, serve your pepper steak over steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice. The rice not only balances the flavors of the dish but also soaks up the delicious savory sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Make Savory Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Marinade and Beef

In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.

Step 2: Sear Beef

In a wok or large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sear marinated beef in batches until browned and cooked through. Remove beef from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry Vegetables

If needed, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add onion and bell peppers, stir fry for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the beef back to the pan, then stir in the sauce mixture. Cook and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve over steamed rice.

Storage Tips

Leftover Chinese pepper steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep the beef tender. If you wish to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely before portioning it into freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw the frozen pepper steak overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

To add variety to the dish, feel free to use different proteins such as chicken or shrimp, or opt for firm tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also make the recipe gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce. In the absence of oyster sauce, double the soy sauce and add a few drops of fish sauce for an extra umami boost. Serve the pepper steak over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a satisfying meal, and consider incorporating additional vegetables like snow peas or baby bok choy during the last few minutes of cooking for added freshness and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different protein, such as chicken or shrimp, feel free to swap them in for the beef. Firm tofu can also be used for a vegetarian version of this dish. To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce. In the absence of oyster sauce, you can double the amount of soy sauce and add a few drops of fish sauce for that umami kick.

For a seasonal twist, consider using thinly sliced asparagus in spring, sweet peppers and cherry tomatoes in late summer, or shredded cabbage or carrot ribbons in winter. Feel free to experiment with your choice of vegetables to add variety and color to the dish while keeping the vibrant mix of flavors intact. Additionally, if you don’t have bell peppers on hand, you can use other crunchy vegetables like broccoli or snow peas for a tasty alternative.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving the Chinese Pepper Steak dish in individual lettuce cups for a fun and interactive meal. Fill each lettuce cup with a spoonful of the savory beef and vegetable mixture, then top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a burst of freshness and crunch. The crisp lettuce cups provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish, making it a light and satisfying meal.

Another creative idea is to turn this Chinese Pepper Steak into a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry bowl. Simply layer a bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice in a bowl, then top it with a generous serving of the pepper steak mixture. Add in some steamed snow peas, broccoli, or your favorite vegetables for a pop of color and extra nutrients. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the bowl and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

FAQs for Savory Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use flank steak or sirloin as suggested, but you can also try other cuts like ribeye or skirt steak, as long as you slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the meat with firm tofu or seitan. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for a hearty vegetarian meal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Also, ensure that the oyster sauce and hoisin sauce you are using are gluten-free or omit them altogether.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep the beef tender. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely, portion it into freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your culinary adventure with this Chinese Pepper Steak Dish, remember that the beauty of this recipe lies not just in its vibrant colors and bold flavors, but in the memories and traditions it helps create around your table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish has a way of bringing people together and filling the air with warmth and laughter.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress, turn to this Chinese Pepper Steak Dish. Let its savory aromas and inviting colors transport you to a place of comfort and joy, where every bite is a reminder of the love and care you put into your cooking. Share it with your loved ones, savor each moment, and create new memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to good food, good company, and the simple joys of home cooking with Chinese Pepper Steak Dish.

Savory Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Tender Chinese Pepper Steak with colorful bell peppers and savory sauce – an easy weeknight meal that’s better than takeout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time15 min

Total Time35 min

CuisineChinese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 main dish servings)

Ingredients

Beef and Vegetables

• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, cut into thick slices

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Stir Fry Sauce

• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade and Beef: In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
2. Sear Beef: In a wok or large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sear marinated beef in batches until browned and cooked through. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
3. Stir Fry Vegetables: If needed, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add onion and bell peppers, stir fry for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Combine and Finish: Add the beef back to the pan, then stir in the sauce mixture. Cook and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve over steamed rice.