Spicy Korean Pepper Steak Recipe

Written by: Editor In Chief
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Why You’ll Love This Spicy Pepper Steak Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that packs a flavorful punch, you’ll love this Spicy Pepper Steak recipe. It’s not just about the heat; the combination of tender beef, vibrant veggies, and a kick from Korean red pepper flakes creates a delightful harmony.

Each bite is bursting with flavor, and the aroma alone will make your mouth water. What I adore is its versatility; you can serve it over rice or even in fajitas for a quick meal.

Plus, it’s simple to make, so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this dish will become a go-to favorite!

Ingredients of Spicy Pepper Steak

When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal that doesn’t take much time or effort, the ingredients are everything. For this Spicy Pepper Steak, you’ll want to gather some flavorful staples that will elevate the dish to new heights. Trust me, the combination of tender beef and fresh veggies, all tossed together with a spicy kick, will make your taste buds sing.

So, let’s take a peek at what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish happen in your kitchen.

Here’s the ingredient list you’ll need for the Spicy Pepper Steak:

  • 1 lb lean beef, cut into thin strips
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced into diagonal strips
  • 1-2 green peppers, sliced into strips
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes (don’t even think about substituting these)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • A pinch of salt and pepper

Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. First off, lean beef is a great choice here because it cooks quickly and stays tender, which is essential for this stir-fry-style dish.

And those Korean red pepper flakes? They’re the secret sauce, adding a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate with other spices. If you’ve never tried them, you’re in for a treat.

And don’t skimp on the veggies; they not only add color and crunch but also a healthy twist. You can even mix and match with whatever you have on hand, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping the garlic. It’s the aromatic superhero that brings all the flavors together.

Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the smell of garlic sizzling in the pan? Just a little tip: if you prefer your green peppers to have a bit more crunch than the carrots, toss them in a little later during cooking.

Happy cooking!

How to Make Spicy Pepper Steak

spicy pepper steak recipe

Alright, friends, let’s plunge into the fun part: making your very own Spicy Pepper Steak. Trust me, this is where the magic happens.

First things first, grab that 1 lb of lean beef and slice it into nice, thin strips. I mean, you want them to cook quickly and soak up all that flavor, right?

Once that’s done, you can start prepping your veggies. Slice up 2 cups of carrots into diagonal strips—this just makes them look fancy—and then grab your green peppers. You can use 1 or 2, depending on how much you love that peppery crunch. Now, slice those up too, and don’t forget about the large yellow onion. It’s time to channel your inner chef and get those garlic cloves crushed—2 to 3 should do the trick.

Now, let’s get cooking. In a frying pan (no oil needed, I promise), toss in all your beef, veggies, and the crushed garlic. The beef goes in first to sear and get that lovely brown color, and then you’ll stir in 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Korean red pepper flakes, and a tablespoon of sugar.

That’s right, the sugar helps balance the heat with a touch of sweetness. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper, and then cover the pan. Cook everything over medium heat, stirring occasionally. It’s like a dance party in your pan as those veggies get tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. If you want your green peppers to keep that crispness, toss them in a bit later.

Now, isn’t that easy? Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the fragrant aroma of garlic and spices, and you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without this recipe.

Once everything is cooked to your liking, serve your spicy pepper steak over a bed of rice, or go wild and use it in fajitas. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Just remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t stress if things don’t look perfect. Enjoy the process, and your taste buds will be oh-so-happy!

Spicy Pepper Steak Substitutions & Variations

While the original Spicy Pepper Steak recipe is delicious as is, there’s plenty of room to get creative with substitutions and variations.

For a leaner option, you can swap out beef for chicken or tofu. I love adding other veggies like snap peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

If you want more heat, try incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil. You can also experiment with different sauces; teriyaki or hoisin sauce can bring a unique twist.

Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making this dish truly your own!

Additional Tips & Notes

Experimenting with substitutions and variations can really enhance your Spicy Pepper Steak experience, but there are also some additional tips to keep in mind for the best results.

Always slice your beef against the grain for tenderness. If you like extra heat, add more Korean red pepper flakes, but remember not to skip them entirely.

Cooking the veggies until just tender guarantees they maintain their color and crunch.

Finally, don’t forget to serve it over a bed of rice, as it balances the spice beautifully.

Enjoy your meal, and feel free to share your own twists on this recipe!