Classic Chinese Pepper Steak A Savory and Colorful Stir-Fry a timeless stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef cooked with crisp bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. Known for its bold aroma and balanced flavors, this dish is both comforting and satisfying, making it a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine.
Chinese Pepper Steak:
Perfect for quick home cooking, Pepper Steak combines simple ingredients with high-heat cooking to create a restaurant-style meal in minutes. The vibrant peppers add sweetness and crunch, while the glossy sauce ties everything together beautifully.
History:
Pepper Steak has its roots in Chinese stir-fry traditions, where beef and vegetables were cooked quickly to preserve freshness and texture. The dish became widely popular in the United States during the mid-20th century as Chinese-American restaurants adapted traditional recipes to local tastes. While authentic Chinese versions are lighter and less saucy, Western adaptations emphasize a thicker, more savory sauce. Today, Chinese Pepper Steak remains a classic symbol of Chinese-American comfort food.
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Classic Chinese Pepper Steak A Savory and Colorful Stir-Fry
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 450 g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper for 10 minutes.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef until just browned; remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger; sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and onion; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return beef to the pan and pour in the sauce.
- Stir until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly. Serve hot.
Notes
- Slice beef against the grain for tenderness.
- High heat ensures juicy beef and crisp vegetables.
- Do not overcook peppers to retain crunch.
- Sauce thickens quickly—stir continuously.
- Best enjoyed immediately.
Tips for Chinese Pepper Steak:
- Add extra black pepper for a stronger kick.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking.
- Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavour.
FAQs for Chinese Pepper Steak:
Q1: What cut of beef works best for Pepper Steak?
Flank steak or sirloin is ideal for stir-frying.
Q2: Is Chinese Pepper Steak spicy?
It’s mildly peppery but not spicy unless extra pepper is added.
Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli work well.
Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Ingredients can be prepped ahead, but cooking is best done fresh.
Conclusion:
Classic Chinese Pepper Steak A Savory and Colorful Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the natural taste of beef and fresh peppers. With its savory sauce and quick cooking method, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving classic Chinese-American comfort food at home.