Description
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe features tender slices of flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, coated in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce & Cooking Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat all slices evenly. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavors.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, slice the red and green bell peppers and the small onion. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp. Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Stir-fry the marinated beef over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Immediately add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir-fry together for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning the garlic.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the cooked bell peppers and onions back to the pan with the beef. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all ingredients beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or other tender cuts.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce depending on your salt preference.
- Adding a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine to the marinade can enhance flavor.
- Serve immediately for the freshest texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
