AMAZING CHINESE PEPPER STEAK

That craving for savory, tender beef and crisp, vibrant peppers in a rich, umami-packed sauce? It’s about to be satisfied! This Chinese Pepper Steak recipe delivers all the flavors you love from your favorite takeout spot, but made fresh (and better!) right in your own kitchen – I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Steak Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Pepper Steak Adventure Begins!

Step 1: Marinate the Steak (Flavor Power-Up!)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sugar, ginger, and pepper.
2. Add the sliced steak to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This is key for tender, flavorful beef!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce (The Secret Weapon)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper until smooth. Set aside. This will thicken beautifully when cooked!

Step 3: Stir-Fry Time! (Hot Wok Action)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until smoking hot.
2. Add the marinated steak to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Don’t overcook it at this stage!
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer (Flavor Fusion)

1. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
3. Cook for another minute or two, until the steak is heated through and the sauce is glossy and clings to the beef and vegetables.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! (Dinner is Served!)

1. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

The Key to Perfectly Tender Steak

I know what you’re thinking: “How do I get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness just like my favorite Chinese restaurant?” It’s all about the marinade and the cut of meat! Flank steak or sirloin steak are your best bets, and slicing them *against the grain* is crucial. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making them easier to chew. And don’t skimp on the marinating time! It really makes a difference.

Spice it Up (or Tone it Down)!

Not a fan of the heat? No problem! You can easily adjust the level of spice in this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce will give it a nice kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether. A dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce can also be used for an extra layer of flavor and spice. Play around with it and find what you love!

Make-Ahead Tips and Tricks

Want to get ahead of the dinner game? You can prepare the steak marinade and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the stir-fry instructions. You can also slice the onions and peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This will save you precious time on a busy weeknight!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Feast!

This Chinese Pepper Steak is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. You can also serve it with noodles, such as egg noodles or lo mein noodles. To make it a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. For an appetizer, try some spring rolls or dumplings. The possibilities are endless! And don’t forget a fortune cookie for a fun and traditional ending!

Variations to Make it Your Own

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the steak with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating and stir-frying.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas.
• Sweet and Sour: Add a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a sweet and sour twist.
• Extra Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, add an extra clove or two for a bolder flavor.

Other Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes

If you’re craving more delicious Asian-inspired flavors, be sure to check out my other recipes! You might also enjoy this Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli, which is another quick and easy weeknight meal. Or, for a different take on ground beef, try this Asian Ground Beef Noodle Skillet – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! And if you’re a fan of the classics, you can’t go wrong with Chinese Beef & Broccoli. You can also view my basic recipe for Chinese Pepper Steak.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Steak is Tough: Make sure you’re using a tender cut of steak and slicing it against the grain. Marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes is also essential.
• Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, whisk together a little more cornstarch with cold water and add it to the skillet while simmering.
• Vegetables are Soggy: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when stir-frying the vegetables. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they stay crisp-tender.

Storing Leftovers: Enjoy it Again Tomorrow!

Leftover Chinese Pepper Steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is a winner in my book because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout! I love that you can easily customize it to your liking by adjusting the spice level or adding your favorite vegetables. But mostly I love the flavor. The savory, slightly sweet sauce, the tender beef, the perfectly cooked peppers – it’s simply irresistible! So grab your wok (or skillet!), gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a Chinese Pepper Steak masterpiece that will rival your favorite takeout spot. You’ve got this!