Pepper steak is a classic Chinese-American dish known for its flavorful sauce and tender strips of beef with bell peppers. Here’s a recipe for making a delicious homemade version of the Best Ever Pepper Steak:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound flank steak, sirloin, or other tender cuts of beef, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Pepper Steak:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper.
- Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth or water, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Set this sauce aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to become tender.
- Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- Stir-Fry the Beef:
- In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing them to heat through.
- Add the Sauce:
- Give the sauce a quick stir and then pour it over the beef and vegetables in the skillet.
- Stir continuously as the sauce thickens, which should only take a minute or so.
- Season with Black Pepper:
- Adjust the black pepper to taste. Add 1-2 teaspoons of black pepper or more if you prefer a spicier pepper steak.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish your Best Ever Pepper Steak with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed white or brown rice.
Enjoy your homemade Best Ever Pepper Steak, a flavorful and savory dish that’s sure to satisfy your Chinese takeout cravings.