Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Chinese Pepper Steak, also known as “green pepper steak,” is a classic Chinese-American dish that features thinly sliced beef cooked with bell peppers and a savory sauce. This dish is known for its bold flavors, tender beef, and crisp vegetables. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Chinese Pepper Steak at home, so you can enjoy this restaurant favorite any time you like.

Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak

1. Marinate the Beef:

• In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine or dry sherry, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Set aside.

1. Cook the Beef:

• Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Let it sear without moving it for about 1 minute, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is browned but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.

1. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.

1. Combine Everything:

• Return the beef to the wok and pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
• If desired, add the cornstarch-water mixture to the wok to thicken the sauce. Stir well and cook for another minute.

1. Serve:

• Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak hot over steamed rice or noodles.

About the Main Ingredients

Flank Steak:
Flank steak is a flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for stir-frying. It’s important to slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Bell Peppers:
Bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to the dish. You can use any color of bell pepper you like, or a combination of colors for a vibrant presentation.

Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce:
Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth of flavor to the dish, while oyster sauce adds richness and a hint of sweetness. Together, they create a savory sauce that coats the beef and vegetables.

Garlic and Ginger:
Garlic and ginger add aromatic flavor to the dish. Mincing them finely ensures that their flavors are evenly distributed throughout the stir-fry.

Rice Wine or Dry Sherry:
Rice wine or dry sherry adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have rice wine or dry sherry, you can omit it or substitute with a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Chinese Pepper Steak is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite.