Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers

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Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min

🌟 Introduction

Chinese Pepper Steak is a classic stir-fry dish that’s all about bold flavors and quick cooking. Juicy, marinated strips of beef are seared until golden brown, then tossed with onions and bell peppers in a rich garlic-soy sauce. It’s a Chinese-American takeout favorite you can easily make at home—fresh, fast, and full of flavor. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the beef & marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional)

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or low-sodium beef broth

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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🔪 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Marinate the beef

1. In a medium bowl, mix the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, baking soda (if using), sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine.
2. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 hour in the fridge.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sugar, black pepper, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-fry the vegetables

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sear the beef

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear without moving for 1 minute, then stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.

Step 5: Combine & finish

1. Add the garlic and ginger (if using) to the beef. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Return the peppers and onions to the pan.
3. Pour in the sauce and stir everything to coat well.
4. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

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🍽️ Serve

• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.

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