Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe for Spice Lovers

Beef lovers constantly search for a delectable pepper steak recipe that combines rich flavors and tender meat.

This authentic Chinese pepper steak bursts with savory notes and aromatic spices that dance across your palate.

Succulent strips of beef sway between crisp bell peppers, creating a mouthwatering harmony of textures.

The recipe brings a restaurant-quality meal straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Fragrant garlic and ginger infuse each bite with depth and warmth.

Perfectly balanced soy sauce and oyster sauce provide a robust foundation for this classic Chinese dish.

Let this incredible pepper steak transport you to the vibrant streets of Beijing with every delicious forkful.

Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak

• Beef Sirloin: Choose tender, marbled cut for maximum flavor and juiciness, sliced against the grain for tenderness.
• Beef Broth: Enhances depth of flavor and helps create silky sauce consistency.

• Soy Sauce: Adds classic umami and saltiness, select low-sodium for better control.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides rich, savory undertone, optional but recommended for authentic taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings subtle tangy brightness, balances other strong flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness and helps sauce thicken naturally.
• Black Pepper: Adds spicy kick and aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Works as thickening agent, creates glossy sauce texture.

• Bell Peppers: Provides crisp texture and vibrant color, select firm and bright peppers.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, choose yellow or white for mild flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent base note, fresh cloves preferred.
• Ginger: Introduces sharp, zingy undertone, use fresh root for best results.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for high-heat stir-frying.

Tools for Chinese Pepper Steak

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and creating those perfect seared beef edges.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for marinating beef and ensuring even coating with soy sauce and cornstarch.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking together sauce ingredients and keeping them ready.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing beef and chopping vegetables with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for cutting beef and vegetables into thin, uniform pieces.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps with stirring and moving ingredients around the skillet.

How to Cook Chinese Pepper Steak

• Marinate the Beef

Slice the beef and massage it with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let the flavors dance together for a quick 15-minute break.

• Prep the Flavor Boost

Whisk together a magical sauce combining soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. This liquid gold will transform your dish.

• Sizzle the Veggies

Fire up your skillet and toss in colorful bell peppers and onions. Give them a quick, hot dance for 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp and vibrant. Scoop them out and set aside.

• Brown the Beef

Crank up the heat and sear the marinated beef. Let each piece get a gorgeous golden crust by giving it some undisturbed sizzle time. Stir-fry until perfectly cooked.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and ginger, letting their incredible fragrance flood your kitchen. Stir quickly to release their magical essence.

• Bring It All Together

Return the veggies to the skillet, pour in your prepared sauce, and let everything mingle and get cozy. Watch the sauce thicken and coat every morsel.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slide this gorgeous pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles. Dinner is served!

Tips and Flavor Ideas for Chinese Pepper Steak

• Beef Slice Perfection: Use a sharp knife to cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Sizzling Stir-Fry Secret: Ensure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding ingredients to achieve that authentic restaurant-style sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for versatile meal options that cater to different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Low-Carb Love: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly and low-carbohydrate alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for extra heat, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the dish's texture and visual appeal.

Serving Options for Chinese Pepper Steak

• Flavor Explosion Companions: Pair this pepper steak with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
• Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an extra layer of crunch and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick Meal Transformer: Wrap leftover pepper steak in soft tortillas or lettuce leaves for an instant fusion lunch that's packed with bold, zesty goodness.
• Nutrition Boost Hack: Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy to increase vegetable intake and complement the rich, savory flavors of the pepper steak.

Storage Instructions for Chinese Pepper Steak

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerator Rescue: Transfer leftover pepper steak to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the rice or noodles separate to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the cooled steak into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm the steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the marinated beef and chopped vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes weeknight cooking faster and more convenient, letting you enjoy a delicious meal in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 4

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Chinese pepper steak delivers a perfect balance of tender beef and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. Home cooks can quickly prepare this classic dish with simple ingredients and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Thoroughly coat beef slices with soy sauce and cornstarch, allowing flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes while preparing remaining ingredients.
2. Sauce Preparation: Whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Vegetable Sauté: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Quickly stir-fry bell peppers and onions until crisp-tender, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Beef Searing: In the same wok, arrange marinated beef in a single layer. Sear without stirring initially to develop a golden-brown crust, then rapidly stir-fry until meat reaches desired doneness.
5. Aromatics and Fusion: Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring continuously to release their fragrant oils. Reintroduce sautéed vegetables to the wok.
6. Final Simmer: Pour prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure complete coating. Allow sauce to thicken and ingredients to harmonize for 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve: Immediately transfer the pepper steak to serving plates, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Marinate Masterfully: Let beef sit in soy sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption, avoiding over-marinating which can make meat mushy.
• High Heat Harmony: Use blazing hot wok or skillet to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent meat from steaming instead of searing, creating restaurant-quality color and texture.
• Slice Strategically: Cut beef against the grain into thin, uniform strips ensuring maximum tenderness and quick, even cooking throughout the dish.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust cornstarch quantity based on desired thickness—less for a lighter sauce, more for a thicker coating that clings perfectly to meat and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg