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Easy 30-Minute Chinese Pepper Steak Stir-Fry: Better Than Takeout

A close-up of a white bowl filled with savory pepper steak, featuring beef strips coated in dark sauce mixed with bright red and green bell peppers.
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Make this flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak at home in just 30 minutes. You get tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and onions coated in a savory, glossy sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor for your weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for tenderizing)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step helps you achieve tender steak.
  2. Prepare the sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup beef broth, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the marinated steak in a single layer and sear quickly for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining steak.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return the seared steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared sauce a quick re-whisk and pour it over the steak and vegetables.
  7. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers, about 1-2 minutes. Do not overcook the steak once the sauce is added.
  8. Remove from heat immediately. Serve your homemade pepper steak hot over fluffy white rice.

Notes

  • For an extra savory sauce, substitute 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce with 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce for color.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and ginger.
  • You can use flank steak or sirloin for the best texture in this quick stir-fry.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/easy-30-minute-pepper-steak-stir-fry/