Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
- Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Ingredients
- Chop the Vegetables: While the beef is marinating, slice the onions and bell peppers, and mince the garlic and ginger. This will ensure that everything is ready to go when it’s time to stir-fry.
3. Make the Sauce
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Cook the Veggies: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Combine and Finish
- Add the Beef and Sauce: Return the browned beef to the skillet, then pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir well to coat all the ingredients in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the beef is cooked through.
7. Serve
- Enjoy Hot: Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
Tips for Making the Best Pepper Steak
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Sirloin, flank steak, or even ribeye works well for pepper steak. The key is to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes to your taste preference. If you want more spice, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the bell peppers tender-crisp for the best texture. Overcooking them can make them lose their vibrant color and crunch.
Health Considerations
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To reduce the sodium content of the dish, use a low-sodium soy sauce, or dilute the sauce with extra broth.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to make the dish even more nutritious.
- Lean Meat Option: If you want a lower-fat option, use lean cuts of beef or even chicken as a substitute.
Conclusion
Best-Ever Pepper Steak is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for a satisfying and easy meal. The combination of tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce makes it a standout stir-fry that’s sure to please. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or impressing guests, this pepper steak recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table. Try it out, and savor every bite!
