Chinese Pepper Steak

Alright, let’s talk about a dish that’s so full of flavor, it’s practically a flavor explosion in your mouth—Chinese Pepper Steak. If you love stir-fried dishes with that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and a little kick from the peppers, this is your new best friend. It’s one of those recipes that sounds fancy, but really, it’s super simple to throw together. Tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions, all tossed in a savory soy-based sauce—this is comfort food with an Asian twist, and trust me, it’s going to become your go-to weeknight dinner.

Whether you’re craving something that’s quick and satisfying or need a dish to impress for a family dinner, Chinese Pepper Steak has you covered. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles, and you’re all set for a meal that feels like it came from your favorite takeout spot—but better. Get ready, because you’re going to fall in love with this one.

Why You’ll Love Chinese Pepper Steak

This recipe is about as easy and satisfying as it gets, and here’s why it’s going to steal the show at your dinner table:

Flavor-Packed: The soy sauce-based marinade brings that umami goodness to the beef, while the bell peppers add a crisp, fresh bite. And don’t get me started on the crushed red pepper flakes—just enough spice to wake up your taste buds without being too overpowering.

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cook time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy without breaking a sweat.

Customizable: Not a fan of bell peppers? Swap them out for broccoli, snap peas, or even mushrooms. You can tailor this dish to your tastes and whatever veggies you’ve got on hand.

One-Pan Wonder: This is a one-pan recipe, which means less cleanup for you! Everything comes together in the same skillet, making this a fuss-free dinner that’s both quick and easy.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining a group of friends, Chinese Pepper Steak is one of those dishes everyone can agree on. It’s savory, a little spicy, and super satisfying.

Ingredients in Chinese Pepper Steak

This dish doesn’t need a long list of ingredients, but what you do use is key to creating that incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin)

Tender strips of beef are the heart of this dish. Flank steak is often used, but sirloin works just as well. The beef absorbs the marinade and stays juicy while cooking, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers bring both crunch and sweetness to this dish. You’ll want to use a mix of red, green, or yellow peppers—pick whatever catches your eye or whatever you have on hand.

Onion

Sliced onions bring a mild sweetness that complements the beef and peppers perfectly. They caramelize beautifully when stir-fried.

Garlic

A little minced garlic adds that rich, aromatic depth of flavor to the dish, making it smell as good as it tastes.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is the base of the sauce, providing that savory umami flavor. It’s salty, deep, and rich—a perfect match for the beef.

Hoisin Sauce

This sweet and slightly tangy sauce adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors and gives the sauce a lovely, glossy texture.

Rice Vinegar

A splash of rice vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the beef and sauce. It gives the dish a subtle, tangy kick.

Sesame Oil

A drizzle of sesame oil is a game-changer. It adds that nutty, toasted flavor that takes the whole dish to another level.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

For just the right amount of heat, a little crushed red pepper goes a long way. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your food!

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy texture that clings to every bite.

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade Chinese Pepper Steak:

Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing the flank steak (or sirloin) into thin strips against the grain. This ensures it stays tender and cooks quickly. Place the beef in a bowl and toss it with a little soy sauce and cornstarch. This marinade will help tenderize the meat and thicken the sauce later.

Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a splash of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, cooking each batch for 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still have some crispness to them.

Make the Sauce

While the vegetables cook, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is going to give everything that irresistible flavor!

Combine Beef and Sauce

Once the veggies are done, add the beef back to the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, making sure the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the sauce is nice and glossy, serve your Chinese Pepper Steak hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with some sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy—and dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350-400 (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak

This dish is so versatile, and here’s how you can serve it to make it even more irresistible:

Steamed Rice: Serve it with a side of fluffy steamed rice to soak up all the savory sauce. White rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice are all great options.

Noodles: For an extra touch of comfort, serve it over egg noodles or even stir-fried noodles. The sauce will cling to the noodles, creating a perfect bite every time.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas make a great side dish to balance out the richness of the beef and sauce.

Spring Rolls: If you want to go all out, serve this with some crispy spring rolls or dumplings on the side. They add crunch and an extra layer of flavor!

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: You can prep the beef and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The sauce can also be mixed and stored separately, so when it’s time to cook, you can throw everything together in no time.

Beef Substitutes: If you’re not into beef, chicken, or even tofu would work well in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Adjust the Spice: Not a fan of spice? You can skip the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce them to make the dish milder. On the other hand, if you like things hot, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the beef tender and the sauce glossy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes, you can swap the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to suit your choice of protein.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, just stir-fry everything together and serve!

Q3: How do I know when the beef is cooked?
A3: The beef will cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes per batch. It should be browned on the outside and cooked through. It’s best to cook in batches so the beef gets a nice sear.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Add more crushed red pepper flakes, or toss in some fresh chopped chili peppers for a kick. If you like extra heat, you can also drizzle in some chili oil.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A5: Yes, feel free to double the recipe! Just be sure you have a large enough skillet or wok to fit everything. You may need to cook in batches to keep everything sizzling hot.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice. With tender beef, crisp veggies, and that glossy sauce that clings to everything, this dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or for friends, it’s guaranteed to impress. So, get cooking and enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering dish!

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