Chinese Pepper Steak and Onions Flavorful Stir-Fry Recipe

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Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? This Chinese Pepper Steak and Onions stir-fry recipe packs a flavorful punch and is easy to make! With tender flank steak, fresh bell peppers, and onions, this dish will impress your family and friends. Stick around as I guide you step-by-step through the marination, cooking, and plating process, plus tips for perfect results every time. Let’s get started!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich and savory flavor that is simply irresistible.
2. Quick and Easy: With a total preparation time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle.
3. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the flank steak and nutrients from the colorful bell peppers and onions, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
4. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, making this dish versatile for any palate.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

– 1 large bell pepper, cut into strips

– 1 medium onion, sliced into thin rings

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

– Cooked jasmine rice for serving

For this dish, I like to use flank steak. It has a great texture and flavor. Marinating the steak in soy sauce and cornstarch adds depth. The bell pepper and onion bring color and crunch. Garlic and ginger add a nice kick.

When shopping, look for fresh vegetables. The soy sauce and oyster sauce give that classic umami taste. Sesame oil adds a nice finish. Black pepper gives it a little heat. For serving, jasmine rice is perfect. It soaks up the sauce well.

Optional green onions make for a beautiful garnish. They add a fresh flavor, too. Use these ingredients to create a dish that’s both tasty and eye-catching.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Steak

– Take 1 pound of flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain.

– In a medium bowl, mix the steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

– Toss the steak until it’s evenly coated.

– Let it marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature. This step adds a great depth of flavor.

Cook the Steak

– Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.

– Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated steak.

– Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes. Stir it occasionally to brown all sides but keep it slightly pink inside.

– Use a slotted spoon to transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside for later.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

– In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

– When the oil is hot, toss in the sliced bell pepper and onion.

– Stir-fry these veggies for about 2 minutes. You want them soft but still crunchy.

– Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger to the skillet.

– Stir continuously for about 1 minute until you smell their wonderful aroma.

Combine and Cook

– Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the veggies.

– Pour in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.

– Mix everything well to combine.

– Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the steak is done and the veggies are tender-crisp.

– Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a saucier dish, add a splash of soy sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Marinade

Marinating the steak is key for flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the soy sauce and cornstarch to soak into the meat, making it more tender and tasty. If you want to try something new, consider using teriyaki sauce or even a mix of vinegar and honey for a sweet twist.

Cooking Techniques

Using high heat is essential when stir-frying. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the meat. This will help to brown the steak quickly, sealing in juices. For tender steak, cut against the grain. This simple step makes a big difference in texture.

Presentation Tips

For a beautiful plate, use a small bowl to shape the jasmine rice. Next, arrange the pepper steak beside it. This adds height and makes the dish inviting. To finish, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. They add color and a fresh taste that enhances the dish.

Variations

Different Proteins

You can easily switch the beef for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well and cooks fast. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into thin strips like the steak. Tofu is a great option too. Press it to remove excess water and cube it.

When using chicken or tofu, adjust the cooking time. Chicken needs about 6-8 minutes until it’s cooked through. Tofu should be cooked until golden brown on all sides. This keeps the dish tasty and full of flavor.

Vegetable Add-Ins

You can add more veggies to this dish. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are great choices. These vegetables add color and crunch. You can use seasonal vegetables too. In spring, try asparagus. In fall, add mushrooms for a rich taste.

Mixing in different veggies keeps the dish fresh. It also helps you use what you have in your fridge. Just remember to cut them thin so they cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, serve this with different grains or noodles. Quinoa or brown rice adds a nice touch. If you want noodles, try egg noodles or rice noodles. They soak up the sauce well and add a chewy texture.

Pair your dish with sauces and sides. A drizzle of extra soy sauce or sweet chili sauce can enhance the flavor. Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for balance. Enjoy exploring these variations!

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

To store your Chinese pepper steak and onions, follow these best practices:

– Cool down: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing.

– Use airtight containers: Place the leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

– Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to three days.

After three days, the dish may lose flavor and texture.

Reheating Techniques

To enjoy your leftovers, use these methods to retain flavor and texture:

– Stovetop reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

– Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Quick tips: Only reheat what you plan to eat. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. Enjoy your delicious dish again with these easy steps!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin can work. These cuts are tender and cook well in a stir-fry. Just remember to slice them thinly. This helps them cook quickly and stay juicy.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free dish, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great substitute that tastes similar. For the oyster sauce, look for gluten-free versions. They are now available in many stores. Always check the labels to be sure.

Can I make this dish in advance?

You can definitely prepare this dish in advance. Cook the steak and veggies, then cool them down. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. This meal stays fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready, just reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

What can I serve with Chinese Pepper Steak?

This dish pairs well with simple sides. Cooked jasmine rice is a classic choice. You can also serve it with lo mein or steamed noodles. For a lighter option, add a side of stir-fried greens or a fresh salad. These choices balance the flavors and make a complete meal.

This blog post covered how to make Chinese Pepper Steak. We discussed the key ingredients, steps to marinate and cook, plus tips for the best results. You can switch proteins and add different vegetables to customize the dish. Storing and reheating leftovers keeps your meal fresh and tasty.

Now, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal any day. Just remember these tips and techniques for perfecting your pepper steak. Happy cookin

Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions

A flavorful dish featuring thinly sliced flank steak stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large bell pepper (red or green), cut into strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced into thin rings
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• to taste chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
• as needed cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

 

• In a medium mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced flank steak, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss the pieces together until they are evenly coated. Allow the steak to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked steak to a plate and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. When hot, introduce the sliced bell pepper and onions. Stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to let them burn.
• Place the cooked steak back into the skillet and pour in the oyster sauce, sesame oil, and the cracked black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the steak is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For a saucier dish, feel free to include an additional splash of soy sauce.
• Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot over a bed of fluffy cooked jasmine rice. For an added burst of color and freshness, garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

For an appealing plating, consider using a scoop of jasmine rice shaped with a small bowl, and arrange the pepper steak mixture artistically on the side. Sprinkle extra green onions on top for a vibrant finish!

Keyword pepper, quick meal, steak, stir-fry

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