There is something utterly satisfying about a homemade stir-fry that beautifully balances tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that sings with flavor. This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a perfect example—combining juicy slices of flank steak with vibrant red and green bell peppers, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a luscious oyster-soy sauce glaze. It’s straightforward to make yet bursting with the kind of bold, comforting tastes that make you want to savor every bite and share it with friends around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, layering flavors and textures that make the dish come alive with a wonderful balance of savory, slightly sweet, and peppery notes.
- Flank steak: This lean cut is perfect for quick stir-frying and stays tender when sliced thin against the grain.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth that is central to the marinade and sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and gives the sauce a glossy, velvety finish.
- Black pepper: Provides the essential spicy kick that defines the “pepper” in this dish.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking without burning your ingredients.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to balance the meatiness.
- Red and green bell peppers: Bring vibrant color, sweet crispness, and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Aromatic essentials that infuse the dish with warmth and complexity.
- Oyster sauce: A savory, slightly sweet sauce that enriches and thickens the stir-fry.
- Water: Helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating and simmering.
- Sugar: Balances flavors by cutting through the saltiness and adding a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flank Steak
Begin by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This technique ensures that your beef will be tender and easy to chew, which is essential for a great pepper steak experience.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. This mixture not only flavors the meat deeply but also helps tenderize it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those delightful flavors.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The right temperature is key to searing the beef quickly and locking in its juices while giving you that perfect caramelized exterior.
Step 4: Cook the Flank Steak
Add the marinated steak to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the beef browned but not overcooked; once seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to maintain tenderness.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 2 minutes—they should remain crisp-tender, providing a fresh texture contrast.
Step 6: Add Aromatics
Next, add minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet. Cook everything together for another minute to release those irresistible, fragrant aromas that make Chinese cuisine so crave-worthy.
Step 7: Combine Steak and Sauce
Return the cooked flank steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in oyster sauce, water, and sugar, stirring well to combine. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to meld all the flavors and thicken the sauce to a perfect glaze.
Step 8: Final Cook and Serve
Continue cooking just until the sauce thickens and the vegetables reach your preferred tenderness. Serve this hot, fragrant Chinese pepper steak right over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that incredible sauce.
How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the dish. These subtle garnishes boost its appeal with extra color and a hint of nuttiness that complements the bold flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Serve this pepper steak alongside steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or simple garlic noodles to balance the saucy richness. A light Asian cucumber salad or steamed bok choy also pairs beautifully to add freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Jazz up your presentation by plating the steak and peppers in shallow bowls or stylish plates to highlight the vibrant colors. You can even pile this dish over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or wrap the steak and peppers in warm lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chinese Pepper Steak keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness and safe quality.
Freezing
If you want to save your Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it will keep for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pepper steak gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth will help loosen the sauce and keep the beef tender. Microwaving works too but may slightly alter texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this dish?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak also work well when sliced thinly against the grain.
Is oyster sauce necessary in this recipe?
Oyster sauce adds a uniquely rich umami flavor that is key to authentic taste, but if needed, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a similar profile.
How spicy is this Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?
The dish has a pleasant peppery heat from black pepper but is not overly spicy. To amp up the heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies during cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan, and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom soy sauce to maintain depth of flavor.
How long does this recipe take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes including marinating, and cooking only about 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s quick yet impressive.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more of a delight to eat. It strikes the perfect balance between tender meat, crisp veggies, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s simply addictive. I encourage you to give this dish a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again as a weeknight favorite that never fails to impress.
Print
Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Pepper Steak recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce made from soy and oyster sauces. The dish is quick to prepare, combining marinated beef with fresh aromatics and vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect weeknight meal served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce and Cooking
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice 1 pound of flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it marinate for 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook the Steak: Add the marinated flank steak to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Incorporate 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger into the skillet. Cook for an additional minute to release their aromatic flavors.
- Return Steak to Skillet: Add the cooked flank steak back into the skillet with the vegetables and aromatics.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in 1/4 cup oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer and Thicken: Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the vegetables reach desired tenderness.
- Serve: Serve the hot Chinese pepper steak over steamed rice and enjoy this flavorful homemade dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions.
- Cut the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on desired sweetness.
- Do not overcook the steak to keep it tender and juicy.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
