Chef Mitchell preparing Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe during my culinary travels through Asia, where the flavors captivated me. Over the years, I perfected my version of pepper steak to highlight the balance of savory and spicy elements. My family loves this dish, and it has become a staple at our dinner table. It's a recipe that embodies the warmth and joy of sharing a meal with loved ones."

Chef Mitchell specializes in Asian cuisine and has a passion for exploring traditional recipes. With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, his creativity shines through in every dish. He believes food should not only be delicious but also a source of comfort and joy.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A beautifully plated Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak served on a bed of rice, garnished with green onions.

Why This Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe Works

This recipe combines tender flank steak with fresh bell peppers and onions for a colorful presentation. The marination process ensures the beef absorbs rich flavors, while the quick stir-frying method retains texture and nutrients. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that brings the essence of Chinese cooking to your home.

The balance of savory soy sauce, sweet oyster sauce, and a hint of sesame oil creates a flavorful sauce that coats each ingredient beautifully. The technique of stir-frying at high heat allows for quick cooking, preserving the crunchiness of the vegetables. This results in a delightful contrast between the tender steak and crisp veggies.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, slice your steak against the grain to keep it tender. Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the meat to achieve a nice sear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the steak and marinate it a few hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Stir-frying is quick, so you can have a fresh meal in no time!

You can use sirloin or ribeye as alternatives. Both cuts are flavorful and will work well in this stir-fry. Just ensure they are sliced thinly for quick cooking.

Stir-frying is the optimal method for this dish. It cooks the ingredients quickly over high heat, preserving their texture and flavors. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a good sear.

Ensure you're slicing the steak against the grain, and do not overcook it. Remove it from the heat as soon as it is no longer pink to keep it tender.

The steak is perfect when it is browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.

Serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Fresh spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad also make great sides.

Absolutely! Consider using lean cuts of beef and adding more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. Reduce the amount of oil used in cooking to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Allow the dish to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Steak is Tough

Problem: If the steak turns out tough, it may have been overcooked or sliced incorrectly.

Solution: Always slice the steak against the grain and remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked to your liking. Consider marinating longer for added tenderness.

✅

Flavor is Too Salty

Problem: If the dish is too salty, it can overwhelm the flavors.

Solution: Add a bit of sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. You can also add more vegetables to dilute the saltiness.

✅

Vegetables are Soggy

Problem: Overcooked vegetables lose their crispness and can become soggy.

Prevention: Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat and remove them from the pan while they are still vibrant and crisp.

✅

Sauce is Too Thick

Problem: If the sauce is overly thick, it can be unappetizing.

Recovery: Add a splash of water or broth to thin it out while cooking, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

✅

Dish Lacks Flavor

Problem: Sometimes the dish may taste bland if seasonings are insufficient.

Prevention: Adjust seasoning during the cooking process, adding more soy sauce, garlic, or ginger to enhance the flavor profile.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or more soy sauce to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: To correct excessive saltiness, increase the volume of vegetables or add a bit of sugar.

Bland: If the dish is bland, enhance it with more spices or a splash of soy sauce for an extra boost.

Fresh ingredients for Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak, including flank steak, bell peppers, and garlic.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak

Selecting high-quality flank steak is crucial for this dish. Look for cuts with good marbling for enhanced flavor. Fresh bell peppers and onions should be crisp and colorful, ensuring they add both taste and visual appeal to your stir-fry.

When preparing vegetables, wash and dry them thoroughly before slicing. This ensures they maintain their texture during cooking. Keeping all ingredients prepped and organized will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Flank Steak: Flank steak is ideal due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly. Always choose a cut that has a bright red color with minimal grey areas.
  • Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Opt for a mix of colors to enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is the backbone of the sauce, providing umami. Choose a low-sodium version if you're concerned about salt content.
A chef stir-frying Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak in a hot wok, showcasing vibrant colors of the ingredients.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The key to great stir-frying is high heat and quick cooking. This method locks in flavors and keeps vegetables crisp. Ensure your wok or skillet is properly preheated before adding ingredients.

Timing is crucial; add ingredients in stages to ensure even cooking. Stir frequently and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than frying.

The Secret to Perfect Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak

The marination of the steak is essential for flavor absorption. Coupled with quick cooking at high heat, it ensures a tender and flavorful dish that shines.

Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak

Prep 20 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 4-6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    Provides savory depth
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
    Adds a rich umami flavor
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    Gives a nutty aroma
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    Thickens the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    Enhances the spice level

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs flank steak
    Thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 bell pepper
    Sliced for texture
  • 1 onion
    Sliced for sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    For frying the ingredients
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced for flavor
  • 1 inch ginger
    Grated for aromatic flavor
  • Salt to taste
    Adjust for flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients

    Gather all ingredients and measure them accurately. Cut the flank steak against the grain into thin slices for tenderness.

  2. Marinate the Steak

    In a bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

  3. Heat the Oil

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. Stir-Fry the Steak

    Add the marinated steak to the hot skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the steak and set aside.

  5. Cook the Vegetables

    In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.

  6. Combine Ingredients

    Add the cooked steak back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.

  7. Adjust Seasoning

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional black pepper if needed.

  8. Serve Hot

    Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious Chinese pepper steak!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can marinate the steak a day in advance for enhanced flavor. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

Serving Suggestions

Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or fried noodles. For an added touch, serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition. You can also try using chicken or tofu for a different protein option.