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Easy 30-Minute Chinese Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Close-up of a white bowl filled with saucy pepper steak featuring strips of beef, green peppers, and red peppers.
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Make this quick Chinese Pepper Steak stir fry for a flavorful weeknight dinner. You get tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and onions coated in a savory sauce, ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda (if using). Let this mixture sit for at least 10 minutes. This step helps tenderize the steak.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding) and sear quickly until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté vegetables: Add a little more oil to the skillet if needed. Add the bell peppers and onion. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
  5. Add aromatics: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir them into the vegetables.
  6. Combine and thicken: Return the seared beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  7. Stir in the slurry: Whisk the cornstarch and cold water slurry again, then pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  8. Serve immediately over hot white rice. This quick meal preparation is a great alternative to using meal delivery companies.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef for up to 4 hours.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
  • This stir fry is a good option if you are looking into simple meal planning for busy evenings.

Nutrition

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