Pepper steak, a popular Chinese-American dish, combines tender strips of beef with colorful bell peppers in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry is not only bursting with flavor but also a visual delight with its vibrant array of peppers. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your own pepper steak that’s sure to satisfy your craving for Asian-inspired cuisine right in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Ensure the steak is well coated in the marinade. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Heat a Wok or Skillet
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it’s sizzling hot.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Steak
- Add the marinated steak to the hot wok or skillet. Spread it out evenly to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Stir-fry the steak for about 2-3 minutes or until it’s browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the cooked steak from the wok and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
Step 5: Add the Bell Peppers
- Toss in the thinly sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they begin to soften but are still vibrant in color.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef or vegetable broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 7: Combine Steak, Sauce, and Peppers
- Return the cooked steak to the wok or skillet.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and peppers.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients.
Step 8: Serve
- Garnish your sizzling pepper steak with sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve your pepper steak over a bed of cooked rice, whether it’s jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite variety.
Pepper steak is a savory stir-fry sensation that brings the bold flavors of Asian cuisine to your kitchen. With tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and a slightly tangy sauce, it’s a delightful dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, your homemade pepper steak is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds with its sizzling, savory goodness. Enjoy!