Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender beef strips and colorful bell peppers, this stir-fry is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with savory goodness. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Beef Marinade
• For the Sauce
• For Stir-Frying
• How to Make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
• Step 1: Marinate the Beef
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 3: Cook the Beef
• Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables
• Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
• Step 6: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
• Over Rice
• With Noodles
• As a Wrap
• In Tacos
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs
• How to Perfect Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
• Reheating Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is an Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?
• Can I customize the Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?
• How do I make this dish gluten-free?
• What should I serve with Easy Chinese Pepper Steak?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a rich and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the beef and vegetables.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from bell peppers and onions, this dish is a tasty way to incorporate veggies into your meal.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors are appealing to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe, ensure you have the right tools for seamless cooking. Having the proper equipment can greatly enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or wok: A wide cooking surface allows for even heat distribution, essential for stir-frying.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating ingredients and combining sauces without mess.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing sauces thoroughly to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup water or beef broth

For Stir-Frying

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water or beef broth. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook until browned on both sides for about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the sliced bell peppers and onion for about 3–4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Then add minced garlic and optional ginger; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Allow it to cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with black pepper as desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak as a deliciously quick meal that will satisfy everyone at your table!

How to Serve Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak can be served in a variety of ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Over Rice

• Serve the pepper steak hot over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will absorb the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious.

With Noodles

• Toss the beef and vegetables with cooked lo mein or rice noodles. This adds a delightful chewiness and makes for a satisfying meal.

As a Wrap

• Create lettuce wraps by spooning the pepper steak mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a fresh crunch and is perfect for a light meal.

In Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to make pepper steak tacos. Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a fun twist on traditional flavors.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Serve alongside a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and snap peas for added nutrition and color on your plate.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance the dish by topping it with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. This adds freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

To elevate your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak, consider these helpful tips for an even more delicious result.

• Marinate longer: Allowing the beef to marinate for 30 minutes or more enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use high heat: Cooking on high heat allows for quick browning, which locks in juices and creates that desirable stir-fry texture.
• Cut against the grain: Slicing the beef against the grain makes it more tender and easier to chew.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables such as mushrooms or broccoli for extra nutrients.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before adding it to the skillet; you can easily adjust soy sauce or sugar according to your preference.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve pepper steak right after cooking while it’s still hot and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Pair your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak with complementary side dishes that balance flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice that includes peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs mixed into seasoned rice.
2. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables and meat add crunch and flavor to your meal.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a healthy green option that pairs well with savory dishes.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil offers a cool contrast.
5. Spring Rolls: Lightly fried spring rolls filled with vegetables bring extra texture and flavor to your table.
6. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles dressed in tangy sauce make an excellent side that complements warm dishes nicely.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and warmth to your meal without overpowering other flavors.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies provide an acidic contrast that brightens up the rich flavors of pepper steak.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak, a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using the wrong cut of beef: Choosing a tough cut can result in chewy steak. Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the best texture.
• Skipping the marination step: Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; allow at least 15 minutes for marination.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much beef at once can steam it instead of searing. Work in batches to achieve that perfect browning.
• Neglecting the sauce thickening: If you skip cooking the sauce long enough, it may be too watery. Allow it to simmer until thickened for a better consistency.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using stale spices or old vegetables can dull flavors. Always use fresh garlic, ginger, and vibrant peppers for the best taste.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?

This recipe features tender beef strips stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I customize the Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. You can also adjust spice levels by adding red pepper flakes.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that all other sauces are gluten-free.

What should I serve with Easy Chinese Pepper Steak?

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles. Pairing with a side of stir-fried vegetables works well too!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or sauces. Give it a try and make it your own!