Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

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Tender strips of beef coated in a rich, savory sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions—Chinese Pepper Steak is a dish that delivers on flavor and texture. This classic takeout favorite combines bold Asian flavors with simple ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive homemade dinner. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness balances the deep umami of the beef, while the crunchy peppers add a refreshing contrast.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its ease of preparation. With just one pan and a few pantry staples, you can achieve a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a comforting yet exciting meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: No need for takeout when you can make it fresh and flavorful in your kitchen.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
• Balanced Flavors: A perfect mix of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extra vegetables to make it your own.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure the best results:

• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing the beef thinly and evenly, which helps it cook quickly and absorb the marinade.
• Cutting Board: Use a separate one for meat and vegetables to maintain hygiene.
• Large Skillet or Wok: A wok is ideal for high-heat stir-frying, but a large skillet works just as well to sear the beef and cook the vegetables evenly.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helps in tossing the beef and vegetables while stir-frying, ensuring everything gets evenly coated in the sauce.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for marinating the beef and preparing the sauce.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To get the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce.

Using the right tools ensures that the beef is tender, the vegetables stay crisp, and the sauce coats everything perfectly.

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Preparation Tips

• Slice the Beef Thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites. Partially freezing the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes this step easier.
• Marinate for Best Flavor: Let the beef sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes to absorb the seasonings fully. If time allows, 30 minutes enhances the taste even more.
• Use High Heat: A hot pan helps sear the beef quickly, locking in juices and achieving that signature stir-fry texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of searing.
• Cut Vegetables Evenly: Uniformly sized bell peppers and onions ensure even cooking and a great presentation.

Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your pepper steak.

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Ingredients for This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak

To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.

For the Beef and Vegetables:

• 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips (optional, for extra color)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (adds depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the flavors)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)

For Garnishing:

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

For Serving:

• Steamed white or brown rice (or noodles, if preferred)

These simple ingredients come together to create a savory, slightly sweet, and peppery dish that’s full of delicious Asian flavors!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Place the steak in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up for easier slicing.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

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Step 2: Marinate the Beef

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper.
2. Add the sliced beef and toss well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

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Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
2. Mince the garlic and ginger for added flavor.

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Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned.
3. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

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Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Add another 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.
2. Toss in the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Return the beef to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables.
2. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Drizzle in sesame oil for added flavor.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
2. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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Notes

• Best Cut of Beef: Flank steak works great for this dish because it’s lean yet tender when sliced against the grain. Sirloin or ribeye are also good alternatives.
• Customize the Vegetables: While bell peppers and onions are classic, you can add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for variety.
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water. If too thin, mix ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or fresh chili peppers for a spicier kick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Cutting the Beef Too Thick

Thicker slices take longer to cook and may turn chewy. Always slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.

2. Overcrowding the Pan

If too much beef is added at once, it will steam instead of sear, leading to a loss of flavor and texture. Cook in batches if needed.

3. Overcooking the Vegetables

Bell peppers should be slightly crisp, not mushy. Stir-fry them just until they are tender but still vibrant.

4. Skipping the Marinade

Letting the beef sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor and helps with tenderness.

5. Using Low Heat

Stir-frying should be done on high heat to quickly sear the meat and keep the vegetables crisp. A too-low temperature results in soggy stir-fry.

6. Forgetting the Sauce Balance

Taste your sauce before adding it to the pan. Adjust soy sauce, sugar, or pepper to your liking to achieve the perfect balance.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll get a perfectly flavorful and well-textured Chinese Pepper Steak every time!

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What to Serve With Easy Chinese Pepper Steak?

8 Perfect Side Dishes

1. Steamed White or Brown Rice

A classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. Jasmine or basmati rice works best for a fragrant touch.

2. Garlic Fried Rice

Take it up a notch with fried rice flavored with garlic, soy sauce, and green onions for an extra layer of taste.

3. Chow Mein or Lo Mein

Stir-fried noodles tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil make a fantastic accompaniment to this dish.

4. Egg Drop Soup

A light and comforting soup with silky egg ribbons pairs well with the bold flavors of pepper steak.

5. Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables

Broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas make great sides, adding freshness and crunch to the meal.

6. Spring Rolls

Crispy vegetable or chicken spring rolls complement the savory richness of the beef.

7. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing side with a vinegar-based dressing balances out the deep umami flavors of the steak.

8. Dumplings or Potstickers

Serve alongside for a full Chinese-inspired feast—pork, chicken, or vegetable dumplings work great!

Pairing your Chinese Pepper Steak with one or more of these sides makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers

• Store any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much. A microwave works as well, but the beef may lose some tenderness.

Freezing for Later

• If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• It will keep well for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir-fry in a pan until heated through.

Make-Ahead Tip

• For easy meal prep, slice the beef and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, so all you have to do is cook when ready!

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fat: ~20g
• Saturated Fat: ~5g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sodium: ~800mg (varies based on soy sauce used)

These values are approximate and will vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best cut of beef for Chinese Pepper Steak?

Flank steak is the most commonly used cut because it’s lean and tender when sliced against the grain. Sirloin and ribeye also work well for extra juiciness.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

3. How do I keep the beef tender?

Slice it thinly against the grain, marinate for at least 15 minutes, and cook on high heat without overcooking.

4. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs and follow the same cooking method.

5. What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers and onions are classic, but you can also add broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for variety.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to bring up the heat level.

7. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can substitute it with more soy sauce and a teaspoon of hoisin sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

8. Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can slice the beef and chop the vegetables a day ahead. When ready to cook, it only takes 10 minutes to stir-fry everything.

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Conclusion

Easy Chinese Pepper Steak is a perfect homemade meal that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce, it rivals your favorite takeout version. Plus, it’s easy to customize and make ahead. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a side of dumplings, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors from the comfort of your kitchen!

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