Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering easy Chinese pepper steak can turn an ordinary dinner into a spectacular culinary adventure.

Tender strips of beef dance with vibrant bell peppers in a savory sauce that promises pure comfort.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this exciting or look so impressive.

Soy and garlic create a robust marinade that infuses each slice with deep, complex flavors.

Home cooks often shy away from Asian-inspired dishes, thinking they’re complicated.

Our streamlined approach breaks down every step into simple, achievable instructions.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this restaurant-quality meal comes together in your own kitchen.

FAQs

• Why should I slice the steak against the grain?

Slicing against the grain breaks down tough muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew. This technique ensures your pepper steak is soft and not chewy.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

While flank steak works best, you can substitute with sirloin or top round steak. Just make sure to slice thinly and against the grain for the best texture.

• How do I know when the beef is properly cooked?

The beef is ready when it turns a nice brown color and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare. Avoid overcooking to prevent tough meat.

• Is this dish spicy?

This classic pepper steak is not inherently spicy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking to increase the spice level.

What Makes Pepper Steak Quick & Delicious

• Swap out bell peppers for your favorite vegetables or adjust spice levels to suit your family's taste preferences, making this recipe super versatile.
• Enjoy a restaurant-style dish at home without the hefty price tag, with a rich, savory sauce that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal.
• Minimize cleanup with this skillet-friendly recipe that cooks everything in a single pan, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Pepper Steak: Ingredients to Get Started

• Flank Steak: A tender beef cut perfect for quick stir-frying and absorbing delicious marinade flavors.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and crunch to the pepper steak dish.
• Onion: A classic aromatic vegetable that provides depth of flavor and texture to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Cornstarch: A classic Asian-style marinade that tenderizes the beef and creates a rich, slightly sweet sauce with a glossy finish.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that helps prevent sticking and enables high-heat cooking for perfect beef searing.

Quick Steps to Make Chinese Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prep the Protein and Produce

Grab your flank steak and slice it into super thin strips, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Chop up colorful bell peppers and sweet onions into bite-sized pieces that’ll make your dish pop with flavor.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Brown sugar

Toss the beef strips into this magical mixture and let them soak up all the deliciousness for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Sizzle the Veggies

Fire up a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Toss in the onions and cook until they turn beautifully translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the bell peppers and let them dance in the pan for another 3 minutes.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Scoot the veggies to one side of the skillet.

Drop in the marinated beef strips and let them sear for about 2 minutes.

Mix everything together and continue cooking until the beef is perfectly browned, roughly 5 more minutes.

Step 5: Create the Luscious Sauce

Pour any leftover marinade into the skillet.

Let it simmer for a minute until the sauce thickens and coats everything in glossy deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pile this incredible pepper steak over steaming rice or twirly noodles.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Tips for a Perfect Chinese Pepper Steak

• Cut flank steak against the grain to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that's easy to chew and packed with flavor.
• Let beef soak in the soy sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and infuse rich, savory flavors throughout the meat.
• Use medium-high heat to quickly sear beef without overcooking, maintaining a juicy texture and preventing tough, chewy results.
• Sauté onions first, then add bell peppers to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant color while preventing soggy vegetables.
• Allow the marinade to simmer briefly, creating a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that beautifully coats the meat and vegetables.

Store & Reheat Chinese Pepper Steak for Fresh Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor quality.
• Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Place steak in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pepper steak in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly heated, restoring its original delicious flavor.

Pairings for Easy Pepper Steak Dinners

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Malbec to complement the robust beef flavors and cut through the savory sauce.
• Match with Crisp Asian Beer: Choose Tsingtao or Sapporo to balance the pepper steak's rich protein and provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's warmth.
• Enhance with Jasmine Rice Companion: Serve steamed jasmine rice alongside the pepper steak to absorb the delicious sauce and create a perfect textural harmony between protein and grain.
• Elevate with Ginger-Cucumber Mocktail: Create a light, zesty non-alcoholic drink using fresh ginger, cucumber, and sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a cool counterpoint to the spicy steak.

Chinese Pepper Steak: Tasty Options to Mix Up Your Meal

• Replace flank steak with firm tofu or seitan strips, pressing and marinating in the same sauce for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch to maintain the sauce's thickness while keeping it gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while preserving the dish's original flavors.
• Spicy Asian Fusion: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat, and include sliced jalapeños during the vegetable sautéing stage to create a more intense flavor profile.

Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pepper steak blends tender beef strips with bold Asian flavors, creating a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Sizzling peppers and savory sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) flank steak, sliced against the grain

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Cut flank steak into delicate, thin strips perpendicular to muscle fibers and dice bell peppers and onions into uniform bite-sized chunks.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, then thoroughly coat beef strips and allow to absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat reaching approximately 375°F. Sauté onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they retain a slight crispness and vibrant color.
5. Create a clearing in the skillet and introduce marinated beef strips, searing each side for 1-2 minutes to develop a rich caramelized exterior.
6. Integrate all ingredients, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and beef reaches a perfect medium-rare to medium doneness, approximately 3-4 minutes.
7. Stream remaining marinade into the pan, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken for an additional minute, creating a glossy, rich coating.
8. Transfer immediately to a serving platter and accompany with steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Slicing the steak against the grain ensures maximum tenderness and prevents tough, chewy meat.
• Marinating the beef in soy sauce mixture helps tenderize and infuse deep, rich flavors into the meat.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the savory profile.
• Quickly cooking vegetables on high heat preserves their crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming soggy or overcooked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg