 |
Authentic Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of this authentic Chinese Pepper Steak, featuring tender beef slices stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. This classic dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant to your home.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Tenderize the Beef (Optional): Place the sliced beef in a bowl and sprinkle with baking soda. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Rinse the beef under cold water to remove the baking soda and pat dry with paper towels.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Add the beef slices and mix until well-coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Dish
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the green and red bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir the prepared sauce and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the meat and vegetables, about 2 minutes.
Serve
Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for the Best Chinese Pepper Steak
- Selecting the Beef: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor. Ensure you slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
- Tenderizing the Meat: Using baking soda is an optional step that can help make the beef more tender, mimicking the texture found in restaurant dishes.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
- Adjusting the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
Enjoy this classic Chinese Pepper Steak recipe that brings a delightful combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce to your dining table.