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Easy 30-Minute Chinese Pepper Steak Stir Fry

A close-up serving of glossy, saucy pepper steak with bright red and green bell peppers.
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This recipe gives you tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions coated in a savory, takeout-style sauce. It is a quick skillet meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for tenderizing beef)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps create tender beef.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside. In a separate small cup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.
  3. Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the marinated beef in a single layer and sear quickly for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.
  4. Stir-fry vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the bell peppers and onion wedges. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
  5. Add aromatics: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Combine and thicken: Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. Stir in the slurry: Whisk the cornstarch slurry one more time and pour it slowly into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens to coat the beef and vegetables.
  8. Serve immediately over hot white rice for a complete weeknight dinner.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use flank steak or sirloin steak. Slice the beef thinly against the grain before marinating.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and ginger.
  • This savory pepper steak sauce tastes best when the sauce is allowed to simmer briefly after adding the thickener.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/easy-30-minute-pepper-steak-stir-fry/