Description
This Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is a flavorful stir-fry featuring tender flank steak and crisp bell peppers cooked in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Optional
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Using the same wok, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain a crisp texture.
- Add Ginger: Stir in the grated ginger and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup water to create a balanced savory sauce.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly and integrate the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the beef and vegetables, enhancing their taste and texture.
- Add Sesame Oil (Optional): Drizzle 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over the stir-fry for an added nutty aroma and flavor before removing from heat.
- Serve: Spoon the Chinese Pepper Steak over steamed rice and enjoy this quick and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Marinating the beef with cornstarch helps create a velvety texture when stir-fried.
- Adjust the sugar in the sauce to your taste preference for sweetness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Optional sesame oil adds a lovely depth of flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
