Make this easy Chinese Pepper Steak stir-fry in 30 minutes. You get tender beef strips, colorful peppers, and a rich, savory sauce that tastes better than takeout.
Author:katiehayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stir-Frying
Cuisine:Chinese
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
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, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large 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 cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for sauce thickening)
Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step helps you achieve tender beef strips.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: beef broth, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
In a separate small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear quickly for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the bell peppers and onion to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the seared beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 1 minute.
Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Serve your flavorful steak dinner over hot white rice.
Notes
For a low-salt option, use low-sodium soy sauce in both the marinade and the sauce.
If you prefer a Crock Pot Beef Dinners version, sear the beef first, then combine all ingredients (except the cornstarch slurry) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the sauce at the end with the slurry.
To get the best sear for tender steak, make sure your pan is very hot before adding the beef.