If you are craving a dish that delivers bold flavors, tender beef, and a vibrant mix of vegetables, then you are in for a treat with this Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe. This dish perfectly balances the savory richness of marinated flank steak with the crisp freshness of bell peppers and onions, all coated in a luscious, slightly tangy sauce. Whether you are new to stir-frying or a seasoned home cook, this recipe brings restaurant-quality delight to your dinner table in just about 35 minutes, making it a dependable weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key to nailing the flavor and texture of the Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of tastes—from the tender beef to the vibrant bell peppers and the savory sauce components.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Ensures the beef stays tender and easy to chew after quick stir-frying.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth to the beef marinade.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the meat and gives the sauce a silky consistency.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without smoking.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a slightly bitter crunch that complements the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Offers natural sweetness and helps build the base of the dish’s flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its iconic aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a subtle zing, essential in Chinese cooking.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory backbone of the sauce with less saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet seafood essence that enhances umami.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Rounds out the sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Corresponds perfectly to the dish’s name, giving just the right amount of heat.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to create a smooth sauce texture.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional): Adds a nutty fragrance that takes the flavor to the next level.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Begin by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marination tenderizes the meat and primes it to soak up all those delicious flavors, making each bite wonderfully juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated beef. Stir-fry it quickly for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s beautifully browned but still tender. Removing the beef at this stage prevents overcooking when you add it back later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, stir-fry the colorful slices of red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook just until they begin to soften but remain crisp, which gives the dish an irresistible textural contrast.
Step 4: Add Fresh Ginger
Next, toss in the grated ginger and stir it around for about 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma that will heighten the dish’s complexity with every mouthful.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and water in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. This sauce is the heart of the Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe, delivering layers of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Step 6: Combine and Cook
Return the cooked beef to the wok and pour the sauce over everything. Toss it all together so each piece is coated in that luscious sauce, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the beef and veggies.
Step 7: Final Flavor Boost
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for its rich, nutty character that will make your kitchen smell amazing just before serving.
How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds both add a wonderful burst of color and a little crunch. They also highlight the Asian-inspired roots of the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines served over fluffy steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. You can also try it with noodles if you want a different texture or a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a stunning presentation by serving the pepper steak in a large shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the peppers and beef. Alternatively, wrap the pepper steak in lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held option packed with crunch and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pepper steak in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor balance.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the beef tender and the vegetables crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of flank steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is great for its tenderness when sliced thin, sirloin or skirt steak are also excellent options. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for best results.
Is this recipe spicy because of the black pepper?
The black pepper adds a gentle warmth but not an overwhelming spice. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, ensuring all other sauces used are also gluten-free.
How can I make the vegetables softer?
If you prefer softer vegetables, stir-fry them a bit longer or add a small splash of water during cooking to steam them slightly without losing their crunch entirely.
Is sesame oil necessary in this recipe?
Sesame oil is optional but recommended for an authentic aroma and flavor boost. If you don’t have it, the dish will still taste fantastic without it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering a great Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe that combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast bursting with flavor and color. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to please your palate and your loved ones. So grab that flank steak, get cooking, and enjoy every savory, peppery bite!
Print
Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is a flavorful stir-fry featuring tender flank steak and crisp bell peppers cooked in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Optional
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Using the same wok, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain a crisp texture.
- Add Ginger: Stir in the grated ginger and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup water to create a balanced savory sauce.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly and integrate the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the beef and vegetables, enhancing their taste and texture.
- Add Sesame Oil (Optional): Drizzle 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over the stir-fry for an added nutty aroma and flavor before removing from heat.
- Serve: Spoon the Chinese Pepper Steak over steamed rice and enjoy this quick and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Marinating the beef with cornstarch helps create a velvety texture when stir-fried.
- Adjust the sugar in the sauce to your taste preference for sweetness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Optional sesame oil adds a lovely depth of flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
