Chinese pepper steak is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated beef stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and fragrant onions. Cooked in a savory, slightly tangy sauce, this sizzling stir-fry balances rich umami flavors with the vibrant crunch of vegetables. Perfect for serving with steamed rice or noodles, this dish brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Steak Marinade:
- 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, cornstarch, and rice vinegar.
- Add thinly sliced beef and mix well to coat.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes for deep flavor absorption.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce
- Slice the onions and bell peppers into thin strips.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.
- Add marinated beef, spreading it evenly in the pan.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes without stirring, then toss until browned.
- Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add onions, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the beef back into the wok and stir to mix with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for 1 minute until glossy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer to a serving plate.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for a Perfect Pepper Steak:
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain for tenderness.
- Use high heat for a quick sear without overcooking.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying sugar or honey levels.
- Try adding mushrooms for extra depth in flavor.
This sizzling dish delivers a rich, umami-packed experience that feels like an authentic Chinese restaurant meal! Would you like variations, like a spicy version or alternative vegetables to use?