Craving that satisfyingly savory bite of Chinese takeout Beef Pepper Steak, but without the hefty price tag and long wait times? Then look no further! This recipe brings the authentic flavors of your favorite restaurant dish right into your own kitchen. We'll guide you through creating a tender, flavorful beef stir-fry bursting with the vibrant sweetness of bell peppers and onions, all coated in a rich, glossy sauce that's irresistible. Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists; this recipe is surprisingly simple, perfect for weeknight meals and impressing dinner guests alike.
Get ready to experience the delicious ease of homemade Beef Pepper Steak! Follow our step-by-step instructions, and you'll be enjoying this restaurant-quality meal in no time. From perfectly seasoned beef to the perfectly balanced sauce, we’ll cover every detail to ensure your success. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can recreate this beloved classic.
Tools Needed
- Knives
- Skillet
Ingredients
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Green onions
- Garlic cloves: 4-5
- Flank steak (or ribeye/sirloin)
- Baking soda
- Tamari or dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp
- Fresh black pepper
- Sesame oil: 1/2 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Avocado oil
- Fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
- MSG (optional)
- Rice or noodles (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Beef
- Chop onions, bell peppers, and green onions.
- Chop 4-5 garlic cloves.
- Marinate flank steak with baking soda, 1 tbsp tamari (or dark soy sauce), 1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, and fresh black pepper.
- Combine 2 tbsp tamari (or dark soy sauce), 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 cup water.
Step 2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables
- Sauté garlic (and ginger, if using) in avocado oil.
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on both sides.
- Cook the onions and bell peppers.
- Add ginger paste (or fresh ginger) to the skillet.
- Add the cooked beef and its juices.
- Add the chopped green onions.
Step 3. Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
- Add the prepared sauce and simmer until thickened.
- Add a little bit of MSG (optional) to boost the flavor.
- Thicken the sauce further with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).
Step 4. Serve
- Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Don't be alarmed by the dark color of your skillet; it's just delicious flavor.
- Be careful with the sesame oil, as it has a strong flavor.
- The oyster sauce, soy sauce, and tamari already contain a lot of sodium, so be careful with additional seasonings.
- Don't be afraid to use MSG; it enhances the flavor of many Asian dishes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 25-35g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes! Sirloin, flank steak, or even ribeye work well. Just make sure to cut it against the grain into thin strips for best tenderness.
2. What if I don't have all the sauce ingredients?
Don't worry! You can substitute similar ingredients. For example, you can use brown sugar instead of corn syrup, or omit the rice wine if needed. The flavor will still be delicious.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also add some chopped fresh chilies for extra heat.
This Easy Beef Pepper Steak recipe delivers the satisfying taste of your favorite takeout, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal any night of the week. So go ahead, try this recipe and savor the delicious results!