If you’re craving a dish that beautifully balances tender beef, colorful peppers, and a savory sauce, then you’re going to love this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe! This vibrant, fast-cooking meal is packed with bold flavors and wonderful textures that come together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe brings bright bell peppers and perfectly marinated beef together in a way that’s downright irresistible and surprisingly simple to execute.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is all about simplicity and freshness. Each component plays a crucial part in creating that signature balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, while also adding wonderful texture and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds that essential umami punch both for marinating and the sauce.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and gives the sauce a silky texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings sweetness and striking color to the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a mild bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Provides a subtle crunch and natural sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic that gives the dish depth.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Offers a bright, zesty kick to the stir-fry.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Chosen for high heat cooking and neutral flavor.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: For building the rich, savory sauce layer.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a wonderful sweet and salty complexity.
- 1/4 cup water: To keep the sauce moist and help it coat everything evenly.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the salty sauces with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Brings a nutty, fragrant finish to the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by combining the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade not only infuses the beef with savory notes but also tenderizes it, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Let the beef soak up the marinade for about 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still retain a pleasant crunch and vibrant color. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside to keep their texture perfect.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan and quickly stir-fry the marinated beef for 2 to 3 minutes until it browns beautifully. Next, add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, stirring for another 30 seconds. The aroma will be intoxicating as these aromatics release their freshness, layering the dish with deeper flavor notes.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef, bringing everything together. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, sugar, sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat every piece of beef and pepper with a glossy, flavorful glaze. Serve immediately while it’s hot, ideally over steamed rice or your favorite noodles.
How to Serve Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or freshly sliced green onions over the top. These simple garnishes add wonderful texture and a fresh brightness that complements the rich sauce and tender beef so well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white or jasmine rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. For a twist, try serving it alongside garlic fried rice or even steamed brown rice for a nuttier, heartier option. Stir-fried bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad can also brighten up the meal and add some refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive meal, serve the Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, present the beef and peppers stuffed in warm bao buns or lettuce wraps for an appealing hand-held version that’s perfect for informal gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak might absorb more of the sauce overnight, making the flavors even more intense – just reheat gently to keep the beef tender.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid using the microwave whenever possible to keep the beef tender and the vegetables crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or even ribeye if you prefer. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as some brands contain wheat. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for extra color and texture. Just adjust the cooking times so the vegetables retain some crunch.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce isn’t in your pantry, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different. Oyster sauce adds a unique richness that’s worth grabbing if possible.
How spicy is this dish?
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is mildly spiced with just black pepper, making it accessible for all palates. If you like heat, add a dash of chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies when cooking the garlic and ginger.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is truly a gem to have in your culinary repertoire. It’s not only quick and straightforward but packed with bold, comforting flavors that brighten up any mealtime. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable dish that your family and friends will keep asking for.
Print
Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entrée
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic stir-fry featuring tender flank steak and vibrant bell peppers tossed in a savory sauce that’s perfect over steamed rice or noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish balances protein and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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
- 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 the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, slice the red and green bell peppers along with the small onion. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the fresh ginger to have them 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 and stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Into the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine & Finish the Dish: Return the cooked vegetables 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, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or use a mushroom soy sauce alternative.
- Use flank steak or sirloin for best tenderness; slicing thinly against the grain helps keep the beef tender.
- Adjust sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out the beef.
