Chinese Pepper Steak

This Stir-Fry Flank Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender flank steak pairs beautifully with the crisp, colorful bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory soy sauce-based glaze. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s ready 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
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring well to coat the steak and vegetables. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve the stir-fry hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing:

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

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the flank steak with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian stir-fry.
• Add More Vegetables: Include additional vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra crunch and color.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor, or increase the red pepper flakes for more heat.

Storage/Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

10 FAQs:

1. Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables in place of fresh bell peppers and onions? While fresh vegetables are preferred for their crispness, frozen vegetables can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet.
3. Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce? Yes, you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time (slice the vegetables and steak), but it’s best to cook the stir-fry fresh to maintain the texture of the meat and vegetables.
5. Can I make this recipe spicier? Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chili paste for extra heat.
6. What other side dishes go well with this stir-fry? This stir-fry pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed greens.
7. Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the vegetables and meat once reheated.
8. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola, sunflower, or peanut oil for frying.
9. Can I add more sauce? If you prefer more sauce, simply double the soy sauce mixture ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the cornstarch accordingly to maintain the sauce thickness.
10. Is this recipe low-carb? The stir-fry itself is low-carb, but it’s typically served with rice or noodles, which would add carbohydrates. To make it low-carb, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or enjoying it as-is without rice.

Conclusion:

This Stir-Fry Flank Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The savory sauce and tender beef paired with crisp vegetables make for a balanced, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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