Chinese Pepper Steak

Chinese Pepper Steak is a flavorful stir-fry dish that combines tender slices of flank steak with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy sauce-based sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal right at home. This dish pairs perfectly with rice, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Set the mixture aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the skillet and cook until it is browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic, green and red bell peppers, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Pepper Steak: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a few red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the flank steak with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Add More Vegetables: Include mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn for additional textures and flavors.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use another cut of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, including slicing the steak and vegetables. Stir-fry it when you’re ready to cook.
3. Can I use a different vegetable in this dish?
   Yes, feel free to swap the bell peppers and onions with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
4. Is this dish spicy?
   The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili flakes or chili sauce to make it spicy.
5. What can I serve this with besides rice?
   Chinese Pepper Steak can also be served with noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
6. Can I freeze this recipe?
   While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
7. Can I use frozen peppers and onions?
   You can use frozen bell peppers and onions in a pinch, though fresh vegetables will provide better texture and flavor.
8. How can I make the sauce thicker?
   You can increase the amount of cornstarch in the soy sauce mixture or cook it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
9. Can I add more garlic?
   Yes, feel free to add more garlic if you love a garlicky flavor. Just be mindful of not overwhelming the other flavors.
10. Is this dish gluten-free?
    Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so if you need a gluten-free version, substitute with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak is a quick, delicious stir-fry that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful but easy to prepare. With tender flank steak, crisp vegetables, and a savory soy sauce-based sauce, it’s a meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your taste and dietary needs, making it a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.

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