Best Ever Pepper Steak Recipe

by

Introduction:
Best Ever Pepper Steak is a delicious, hearty dish that brings together tender slices of beef, bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce with just the right amount of heat. This quick and easy stir-fry meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for special occasions. It’s best served over a bed of rice or noodles to soak up the rich flavors.

D’origine:
Pepper steak is a fusion dish with roots in Chinese-American cuisine, drawing on traditional stir-fry techniques while incorporating ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger that were made more accessible for American palates. The dish became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in Chinese-American restaurants, and has evolved into a beloved home-cooked meal.

Ingredients (For 4 Servings):

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinating beef)
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best results)

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for tang)
  • Red chili flakes (for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for added depth of flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the beef:
    In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
  2. Prepare the sauce:
    In a separate bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth (or water), and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Cook the beef:
    Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
  4. Stir-fry the vegetables:
    In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  5. Combine and simmer:
    Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
  6. Serve:
    Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.

Tips for Success:

  • Thin slicing: Slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness. You can freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing to make this easier.
  • High heat: Stir-frying over high heat helps the meat cook quickly without drying out. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Crisp veggies: Cook the vegetables just until they’re tender but still crisp for the best texture.
  • Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of black pepper and chili flakes according to your preference for spice.

Recommendation:

Pair this Best Ever Pepper Steak with jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles to balance the savory flavors of the dish. For added texture, you can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas.

Leave a Comment