Description
This Flavor-Packed Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and delicious stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of flank steak and crisp bell peppers coated in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh garlic and ginger, this recipe is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup water or beef broth
Cooking Oil and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Toss the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ cup water or beef broth. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes until it is nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced yellow onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry these vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they become crisp-tender, releasing their vibrant flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Serve the hot pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with optional red pepper flakes or sliced scallions if desired to add extra flavor and color.
Notes
- For tender beef, slice thinly against the grain and marinate properly.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt level.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and pepper to suit your taste preference.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Vegetarian version can be made by substituting beef with firm tofu or seitan.
