BEST CHINESE PEPPER STEAK EVER

Craving that savory, slightly spicy, and oh-so-satisfying Chinese takeout flavor but want to skip the delivery fees and questionable ingredients? This Chinese Pepper Steak recipe delivers all the deliciousness you’re after, with tender beef, crisp peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s unbelievably easy to make at home. I promise you, this will become your new go-to weeknight dinner!

Ingredients: The Key to Flavor

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions: Achieving Pepper Steak Perfection

1. Marinate the Beef:

   In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor.

2. Prepare the Ingredients:

   While the beef is marinating, slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic and ginger. This prep work ensures a smooth cooking process.

3. Make the Sauce:

   In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Set aside. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch, as that will affect the sauce’s texture.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef:

   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and stir-fry until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.

6. Combine and Simmer:

   Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch in the sauce is what causes it to thicken so quickly, so keep stirring!

7. Serve:

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

My Secret Tips for the BEST Pepper Steak

Slicing the Beef:

Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is crucial for tenderness. If you’re not sure which way the grain runs, look closely at the muscle fibers. Slice perpendicular to those lines. This will shorten the muscle fibers, making the beef much easier to chew.

The Wok Hei Factor:

“Wok hei” is that slightly smoky, charred flavor you get from restaurant-style stir-fries. To achieve this at home, make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding the beef and vegetables. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and try not to stir *too* much – let the ingredients sit for a few seconds between stirs to develop that nice browning.

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables:

Nobody likes mushy peppers! Stir-fry them until they’re crisp-tender – still slightly firm to the bite. This adds a wonderful texture to the dish.

Adjusting the Sauce:

Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite chili sauce. I personally love a little sriracha in mine!

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Spice It Up:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir-fry some chopped chili peppers along with the garlic and ginger.

Add More Veggies:

Sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or snow peas would all be delicious additions to this dish. Add them to the skillet along with the onion and bell peppers.

Use Different Protein:

While flank steak is my favorite, you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even chicken or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Chinese Pepper Steak is fantastic served over steamed rice or Yaki Udon Recipe. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. For a truly authentic Chinese meal, try pairing it with some spring rolls or dumplings.

Storing and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

Leftover Chinese Pepper Steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through, or stir-fry it in a skillet with a little oil until warmed. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you might need to add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Deliciousness

The combination of the marinade and the high-heat stir-frying technique is what makes this recipe so successful. The marinade tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor, while the high heat ensures that the beef browns quickly without becoming tough. The cornstarch in both the marinade and the sauce helps to create a silky-smooth texture. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors is what makes this dish so irresistible.

More Asian-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe, you might also like my Honey Pepper Chicken Stir Fry or Beef And Broccoli. For a slightly different twist, check out Chinese Pepper Steak, Pepper Steak With Onions or Chinese Beef And Broccoli. All these recipes are easy to make at home and are packed with flavor!

So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for the best Chinese Pepper Steak ever! I know you’re going to love it. Happy cooking!