Introduction

Pepper steak is a classic dish loved by many due to its simplicity, vibrant colors, and bold flavors. This sizzling stir-fry combines tender beef strips, crunchy bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory brown sauce. Pepper steak is the perfect combination of texture and flavor that makes it a favorite in many households.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this pepper steak recipe is both easy to follow and quick to prepare. You’ll find that the secret to this dish lies in using the right ingredients and mastering simple stir-fry techniques.

Ingredients Overview

The beauty of pepper steak lies in its simplicity. The dish requires only a few key ingredients that, when combined, create a mouthwatering meal:

• Beef: Choose a tender cut like flank steak, London broil, or chuck steak for the best results.
• Bell Peppers: A combination of green, red, and yellow bell peppers adds color and crunch.
• Onions: Sweet onions work best, offering a slight caramelization that enhances the flavor.
• Sauce Components: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil build the rich brown sauce.

Make sure to prepare the ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying requires quick and high-heat cooking. For more insights on mastering the stir-frying techniques used in this recipe, check out this guide on stir-fry techniques.

Selecting the Best Cut of Beef

One of the most important factors in making the perfect Chinese pepper steak is choosing the right cut of beef. Flank steak is often the preferred choice because it is both tender and flavorful, especially when cut against the grain. However, if you’re on a budget, London broil and chuck steak are excellent alternatives that still produce delicious results.

The key to tender beef lies in properly velveting the meat, a technique used to lock in moisture and ensure a soft texture during stir-frying. Curious about which beef cuts work best for stir-frying? Learn more about it here.

Preparing the Beef: The Velveting Technique

To get that restaurant-quality tender beef, you’ll want to use the velveting technique. This method involves marinating the beef with a combination of cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, baking soda, and a bit of oil. By doing this, the beef stays juicy, even when cooked over high heat.

Steps for Velveting Beef:

• Slice the beef thinly, against the grain, into 3-inch strips.
• Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to maximize tenderness.
• Stir-fry the beef in a hot wok for about 30 seconds per side before setting it aside to add later in the dish.

Prepping the Vegetables

The key to a balanced pepper steak dish is the fresh and crisp texture of the bell peppers and onions. For this dish, cut the peppers and onions into 1-inch squares, ensuring they are uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly and maintain their crunch during stir-frying.

You can experiment with different color combinations of peppers, such as mixing green, red, and yellow to add visual appeal to the dish.

Cooking Instructions: Bringing it All Together

Once you’ve prepped your ingredients, it’s time to stir-fry! Follow these steps for the perfect Chinese pepper steak:

1. Sear the beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add oil and sear the beef strips for 30 seconds on each side. Set them aside.
2. Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same wok, toss in the ginger and garlic, followed by the bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly tender.
3. Add the sauce: Stir up the prepared sauce (containing soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock, and cornstarch) and pour it over the vegetables.
4. Combine everything: Add the seared beef back into the wok. Stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your meal, serve the pepper steak with steamed white rice or stir-fried noodles. For an added touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top. Pair this dish with side items like spring rolls or fried rice for a delicious homemade Chinese meal.

Variations of Pepper Steak

One of the best things about pepper steak is its versatility. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add mushrooms or broccoli for extra vegetables and texture.
• Make it spicy by adding a spoonful of chili paste or Sichuan peppercorns.
• Substitute the oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a healthier take on this classic, here are a few adjustments:

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake.
• Swap cornstarch for tapioca starch for a gluten-free version.
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of bell peppers, take a look at this resource.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for pepper steak?

The best cut of beef for pepper steak is flank steak due to its tenderness and flavor. However, London broil or chuck steak are also good alternatives.

How can I tenderize the beef for pepper steak?

Tenderize the beef by using the velveting technique, which involves marinating the beef with cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and baking soda.

Can I make pepper steak without a wok?

Yes! While a wok helps achieve that authentic “wok hei” flavor, you can still make pepper steak in a large skillet by following the same steps.

What vegetables can I add to pepper steak?

You can add mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli to the dish for extra variety.

Expert Cooking Tips for Pepper Steak

To ensure your pepper steak comes out perfectly every time:

• Preheat your wok or skillet until it’s very hot to avoid steaming the beef.
• Cut the beef and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Stir-fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: Always give the beef room to sear properly. Overcrowding will cause the beef to steam rather than sear.
• Using the wrong cut of beef: Opt for tender cuts like flank steak and avoid overly lean cuts that can turn tough.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Stir-fry the peppers and onions just until they are crisp-tender for the best texture.

Conclusion

Chinese pepper steak with onions is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and offers a satisfying mix of textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish will surely impress.

With the right preparation techniques and ingredients, you can easily bring the flavors of a Chinese restaurant into your own kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and variations to make this dish your own.