Description
Pepper Steak from China brings sizzling flavor right to your dinner table with tender beef strips dancing through a tangy sauce that makes weeknight meals feel special. Slicing meat against the grain and quickly stir-frying creates that restaurant-quality texture you’ll absolutely adore at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef steak, thinly sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Slice 1 ½ lbs beef steak into thin strips against the grain using a sharp knife. This helps ensure tender meat that’s easy to chew.
- Toss beef strips with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and ½ tsp black pepper in a medium bowl. Let the meat marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb maximum flavor.
- Prepare sauce by whisking together ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet at 375°F (190°C). Sauté 1 sliced onion and 2 sliced bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Transfer vegetables to a separate plate.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same skillet. Cook marinated beef strips in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side at high heat until edges turn golden brown.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger to the beef. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour prepared sauce over beef, stirring to coat completely. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Return sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
- Serve immediately over steamed white rice, ensuring each portion gets an equal mix of beef, vegetables, and sauce.
Notes
- Salt the beef generously at least 30 minutes before cooking to help develop a deeper flavor and create a better crust.
- Choose a well-marbled cut like flank or sirloin steak for maximum tenderness and rich taste.
- Cut beef against the grain into thin strips to ensure each bite remains tender and easy to chew.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional soy sauce for tamari and serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Stir-Fried
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg