Chinese Pepper Steak is a classic stir-fry dish that brings together tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a favorite on many Chinese restaurant menus, but you can easily recreate this delicious meal in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe will guide you through making Chinese Pepper Steak that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak
To make authentic-tasting Chinese Pepper Steak, gather these ingredients:
For the Beef and Marinade
– 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
– ½ tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for umami)
– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
– ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon baking soda (helps tenderize the beef)
– 2 to 2.5 tablespoons tapioca starch or cornstarch (for coating)
For the Vegetables
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
For the Sauce
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
– ½ cup beef broth or water
Oils for Cooking
– 1 to 1.5 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. If the meat is too soft to slice thinly, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up. Then, marinate the beef with soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, baking soda, and coat lightly with tapioca starch or cornstarch. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
2. Prep Your Veggies
While the beef marinates, slice the onions and bell peppers into strips. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger if using. Keep the vegetables ready to go because stir-frying is quick.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to help thicken the sauce during cooking.
4. Cook the Beef
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear it quickly until browned but not fully cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add a little more oil if needed and toss in the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry over medium-high heat until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger in the last minute to release their aroma.
6. Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables beautifully.
7. Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve your Chinese Pepper Steak hot over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Chinese Pepper Steak
– Cutting the Beef: Slicing against the grain is key to tenderness.
– Marinating: Baking soda in the marinade helps break down proteins for a softer texture.
– High Heat Cooking: Use a wok or large skillet and cook on high heat for quick searing and crisp vegetables.
– Sauce Consistency: The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce just right – don’t skip it.
– Vegetable Choice: Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch; you can also add mushrooms or green chilies for variation.
– Make Ahead: You can prep the beef and veggies ahead of time and stir-fry quickly when ready.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Chinese Pepper Steak is versatile. Some cooks add mushrooms or substitute bell peppers with spicy green chilies for more heat. For a healthier twist, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and serve with cauliflower rice. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or simple fried rice.
Why Make Chinese Pepper Steak at Home?
Making Chinese Pepper Steak at home is not only satisfying but also lets you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and flavor without any preservatives or excess sodium often found in takeout. Plus, the dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Enjoy the tender beef, the crunch of fresh peppers, and the savory sauce that makes this dish a standout favorite!
Chinese Pepper Steak is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table with minimal fuss. Give it a try and savor every bite!