Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe for Cozy Nights In

Hearty Chinese pepper steak brings together tender strips of beef and vibrant bell peppers in a mouthwatering dance of flavors.

Soy sauce and ginger create a robust marinade that infuses each bite with depth.

Slicing meat against the grain ensures maximum tenderness and juiciness.

Woks work perfectly for quick, high-heat cooking that seals in delicious umami notes.

Home cooks can easily master this classic dish with just a few simple techniques.

Restaurant-quality results await you with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Savor every bite of this irresistible meal that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe That’s Fast and Flavorful

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this Chinese pepper steak in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine basic pantry ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fresh vegetables to create an authentic Asian-inspired dish that tastes like restaurant-quality takeout right at home.
• Protein-Rich Customization: Swap beef for chicken or tofu, adjust vegetable selections, and modify spice levels to suit personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different dietary needs and taste buds.
• Restaurant-Style Technique: Master the art of stir-frying with high heat and quick cooking methods, learning professional cooking techniques that elevate home meal preparation from ordinary to extraordinary.

Chinese Pepper Steak (Easy Recipe) Ingredients

• Beef Steak: Tender, flavorful meat that becomes the star of the dish, choose a cut like sirloin or flank steak with good marbling.
• Beef Broth or Water: Provides liquid base for the sauce and helps create a silky texture.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and sweetness, red or green peppers work best.
• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh aromatics that provide depth and traditional Chinese flavor profile, use fresh for best results.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Fundamental to creating authentic Asian flavor, choose low-sodium soy sauce for better control of saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, rich undertone to the dish, use sparingly as it has intense flavor.
• Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Complex sauces that bring sweetness and umami to the pepper steak.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and creates glossy coating for beef.
• Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and helps with caramelization.
• Black Pepper: Adds final spicy kick to the dish.

• Green Onions: Fresh topping that provides color and mild onion flavor, chop just before serving.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat stir-frying, ensures even cooking without overpowering other flavors.

Pepper Steak Chinese Method

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Grab your sliced beef and prepare a flavor bath.

In a mixing bowl, introduce beef to a splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of cornstarch, a dash of rice vinegar, and a hint of sesame oil.

Gently toss everything so each beef slice gets coated perfectly.

Let this mixture rest and absorb flavors for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water or beef broth

Blend until smooth and set aside for later magic.

Step 3: Sizzle the Beef

Fire up a large skillet or wok with vegetable oil over high heat.

Spread marinated beef in a single layer, allowing each piece to transform into a golden-brown beauty.

Cook approximately 2-3 minutes per side until edges crisp up beautifully.

Transfer cooked beef to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Dance with Vegetables

Add another splash of vegetable oil to the same skillet.

Toss in bell peppers and onions, letting them twirl and sizzle for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender yet vibrant.

Sprinkle minced garlic and ginger, stirring for a quick 30 seconds to release their aromatic powers.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return beef to the skillet.

Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring gently to ensure each morsel gets a generous coating.

Let everything simmer and mingle for 2-3 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick embrace.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Shower the dish with freshly chopped green onions.

Serve piping hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Pepper Steak Prep for Easy Takeout Flavor

• Let beef soak up marinade for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor depth and tenderize meat thoroughly.
• Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness, ensuring each bite remains juicy and easy to chew.
• Use high heat and spread beef in single layer to achieve perfect caramelization without steaming meat.
• Keep bell peppers and onions slightly crisp by stir-frying quickly, preserving their vibrant colors and nutritional value.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats every ingredient.

Pepper Steak Storage Advice

• Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out the meat.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and maintain the steak's tenderness.
• Check the temperature carefully during reheating to prevent the beef from becoming tough or rubbery, aiming for a warm and juicy result.

Easy Matches for Pepper Steak

• Sip and Savor Companions for Pepper Steak
• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of the pepper steak, cutting through the meaty intensity with its robust character.
• Match with Crisp Asian Beer: Select a light Chinese beer like Tsingtao or Harbin to refresh the palate, balancing the dish's spicy and umami notes while providing a clean, smooth drinking experience.
• Enhance with Jasmine Rice Sidekick: Serve steamed jasmine rice alongside the pepper steak, allowing its delicate floral aroma and soft texture to absorb the sauce and provide a perfect neutral base for the bold flavors.
• Brighten with Cucumber Salad: Create a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a cool, tangy contrast that lightens the rich meat dish.

Chinese Pepper Steak Quick Twists

• Gluten-Free Pepper Steak: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to eliminate gluten. Use cornstarch certified gluten-free and skip oyster sauce or replace with a gluten-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Use riced cauliflower as a base and follow the original cooking method for a lighter meal option.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, cube it, and marinate using the same seasonings. Stir-fry tofu until golden brown before adding vegetables and sauce.
• Spicy Sichuan-Style Adaptation: Add dried chili flakes or Sichuan peppercorns during stir-frying to create a more intense, fiery flavor profile. Increase heat by incorporating additional red pepper flakes or chili oil for extra kick.

FAQs

• Why should I marinate the beef first?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and prevent it from becoming tough during high-heat cooking. The cornstarch helps create a protective coating that keeps the meat juicy.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses beef, you can easily substitute it with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

• How do I prevent the beef from becoming chewy?

High heat and quick cooking are key. Cook the beef in a single layer without overcrowding the pan, and avoid moving it too much to get a nice brown sear. This locks in the flavor and keeps the meat tender.

• What if I don't have all the Asian sauces?

You can simplify the sauce with just soy sauce and a bit of sugar. If you’re missing oyster or hoisin sauce, try using a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar to create a similar sweet and savory profile.

Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak delivers rich Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate with juicy beef and colorful bell peppers. Crisp vegetables and tender meat combine for a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Stir-Fry Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Infuse the beef with a robust marinade by blending soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Allow the meat to absorb these flavors for a minimum of 15 minutes, ensuring deep, penetrating taste.
2. Craft a complex sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and liquid, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and umami notes.
3. Sear the marinated beef in a scorching hot skillet, creating a caramelized exterior with a quick, high-heat cooking method. Aim for a golden-brown crust that seals in the meat’s juiciness.
4. Cleanse the skillet and introduce fresh oil, then quickly sauté bell peppers and onions until they reach a vibrant, crisp-tender state. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, releasing their aromatic essence with a brief, intense heat exposure.
5. Reunite the perfectly seared beef with the stir-fried vegetables, then cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure an even, glossy coating that will thicken and cling to each morsel.
6. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a garnish of verdant green onions. Serve immediately atop steamed rice or noodles, presenting a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Let the beef sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Heat Control: Use a high-heat cooking method to achieve that authentic wok-seared taste without overcooking the beef, keeping it juicy and tender.
• Veggie Variations: Swap bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini for a fresh twist on the classic recipe.
• Dietary Adaptations: Replace beef with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, and use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg