Chinese Pepper Steak

Chinese Pepper Steak is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender flank steak, crisp bell peppers, and savory garlic, all coated in a thickened soy sauce glaze. The dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Paired with rice, it’s a delicious and well-balanced dish that delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Stir well and set aside.
2. Cook the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add vegetables and garlic: Add the minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and onion to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve: Serve hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Vegetarian option: Replace the flank steak with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.
2. Different vegetables: You can substitute the bell peppers with other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for variation.
3. Spicy version: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the soy sauce mixture to give the dish some heat.
4. Use different meats: Instead of flank steak, you can use sirloin, skirt steak, or even chicken breast for a different flavor profile.
5. Gluten-free version: Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, you can use other cuts such as sirloin or skirt steak, but flank steak is ideal for stir-fries due to its tenderness and flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   It’s best to make it fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance (slice the steak and vegetables, mix the sauce) to save time during cooking.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
4. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   Fresh vegetables give the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the stir-fry.
5. Can I use a different type of oil?
   While vegetable oil works best for stir-frying, you can substitute it with sesame oil for a nutty flavor or canola oil if you prefer.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha to the soy sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
7. Is this dish gluten-free?
   No, the soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.
8. Can I cook this on medium heat instead of high heat?
   Stir-frying is best done on high heat to quickly cook the beef and vegetables while keeping them crisp. Cooking on medium heat might result in overcooked meat and soft vegetables.
9. What type of rice is best for serving?
   White rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice work well with this dish. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
10. Can I use different types of peppers?
    Yes, you can experiment with different colors of bell peppers or even use chili peppers for a spicier version of the dish.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The tender flank steak paired with colorful bell peppers and a savory soy sauce-based glaze is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare. Whether you follow the recipe as is or add your own twists, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation.

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