Why You’ll Love This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, you’ll love this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe. I can’t get enough of the tender, juicy steak paired with vibrant green peppers and onions.
The combination of garlic and ginger gives it an irresistible aroma, while the savory soy sauce ties everything together. It’s a one-pan wonder that cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Plus, serving it over hot rice makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite in your home!
Ingredients of Chinese Pepper Steak
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Chinese Pepper Steak, having the right ingredients is key to capturing that authentic flavor. This dish is all about balance—the tender beef, crunchy veggies, and savory sauce come together in a delightful dance.
So, let’s gather everything we need before we get started on this culinary adventure. Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need to make this dish shine.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs round steaks, 1 inch thick
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 large green peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2/3 cup beef bouillon (liquid)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients a bit more. First off, round steak is a great choice here because it’s affordable and tender when cooked right. If you can’t find round steak, don’t sweat it—flank steak or sirloin would also work well.
And let’s not overlook the veggies; those vibrant green peppers and crispy water chestnuts add not just flavor but also a lovely crunch. Fresh ginger and garlic are the real MVPs in this recipe, giving it that extra zing.
Just a little tip: make sure to slice your steak thinly after it’s been in the freezer for a bit. This makes it easier to cut, and trust me, your stir-fry will thank you for it.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of making Chinese Pepper Steak. First things first, grab that 1 1/2 lbs of round steak. Now, here’s a little pro tip: pop that steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it way easier to slice into those thin, tender strips.
After your steak is nice and firm, take it out, trim off any pesky fat, and slice it into 1/8 inch thick pieces. It’s almost like prepping for a culinary showdown – and trust me, you want those slices just right for maximum flavor absorption.
Now, it’s time to heat things up. Grab your trusty wok (or a large skillet if you don’t have a wok – no judgment here), and pour in 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat that oil until it’s sizzling, then toss in 1 minced garlic clove**, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper**. Ah, the aroma! It’s like a warm hug in a pan.
Add your sliced beef to the mix and stir-fry everything over high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want that meat to be just browned, not overcooked. Once it’s beautifully cooked, remove the beef and set it aside on a heat-proof platter covered with aluminum foil (gotta keep it warm and cozy).
Now, let’s get those vibrant veggies in on the action! Into the same hot wok, add 2 large green peppers and 1 large onion, both thinly sliced. Stir-fry these beauties for about 3 minutes until they’re slightly softened but still have a lovely crunch.
Then, return that glorious beef to the wok, along with 8 ounces of drained sliced water chestnuts. They add a fun crunch that’s hard to resist. While all of this is happening, mix together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2/3 cup of beef bouillon, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/3 cup of water in a small bowl.
Pour this glorious mixture into the wok and stir everything together, letting it cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Finally, serve this masterpiece over hot, fluffy rice and sprinkle some green onions on top for that final touch.
And there you have it – a delicious Chinese Pepper Steak that’s sure to impress. Just don’t forget to hide the leftovers, or you might find yourself battling family members for the last bite!
Chinese Pepper Steak Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious Chinese Pepper Steak, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up or cater to different dietary preferences.
I love using chicken or tofu as alternatives to beef for a lighter option. If you’re looking to go gluten-free, simply swap soy sauce for tamari.
For extra crunch, try adding sliced mushrooms or snap peas. To spice things up, toss in some red pepper flakes or sriracha. If you want a sweeter twist, consider adding pineapple chunks.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Chinese Pepper Steak turns out perfectly, I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you won’t feel rushed and can focus on getting the flavors just right.
Also, if you like a bit more heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños. Don’t forget to serve it hot over rice for the best experience.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll taste great the next day too!
Finally, feel free to experiment with different veggies like broccoli or snap peas to customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy!