Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, mouthwatering stir-fry that combines juicy beef, crisp-tender veggies, and a velvety, savory sauce, look no further than this Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and bold flavors—the steak is meltingly tender, the vegetables are sweet and fresh, and the sauce ties everything together with a silky, umami-rich finish. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or cooking for guests, this iconic dish is sure to claim a spot in your regular recipe lineup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the essential ingredients that make this dish sing! Every component in the Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients pulls its weight, whether it’s amping up tenderness, infusing deep flavor, or adding a splash of color and crunch.
- Flank steak: Go for tender cuts—flank steak, chuck roast, or London broil all work well. Slice thin for quick cooking and maximum tenderness!
- Baking soda: This secret ingredient “velvets” the beef, making each bite ultra tender and restaurant-worthy.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that let the beef flavor shine through. Season just before cooking.
- Low-sodium chicken stock: Forms the base of the sauce and lends depth without being too salty.
- Cornstarch: For that thick, glossy sauce that beautifully coats every piece of steak and vegetable.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a hit of umami richness and beautiful sheen to the finished dish.
- Shaoxing wine: A splash brings traditional Chinese complexity. If you can’t find it, dry sherry is a fine substitute.
- Light soy sauce: Salty and flavorful; a must for seasoning the sauce.
- Dark soy sauce: Just a little for deep color and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with a whisper of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Nutty and aromatic, it rounds out the sauce with classic Chinese character.
- White pepper: A gentle kick—use to taste for a subtle, peppery heat.
- Green bell pepper: Cut into strips—classic color, crunchy texture, a touch of earthiness.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant sweetness and even more color to the dish.
- Medium onion: Choose yellow or sweet for a balance of sharpness and caramelized flavor.
- Neutral oil: Canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil all let the flavors shine without overpowering the dish.
- Ginger: Freshly minced for warmth and aromatic zing in every bite.
- Garlic: Two cloves bring full-bodied pungency and that classic stir-fry aroma.
How to Make Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients
Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Beef
Start by thoroughly patting your steak dry with a paper towel—moisture is the enemy of a good sear! Slice your beef into long strips, each about 3 inches long and between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. For extra precision (and less wrestling with slippery steak), slice it while it’s still slightly frozen. This little trick makes paper-thin slices a breeze and sets your Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients up for that signature tenderness.
Step 2: Velvet the Beef
Toss the steak strips in baking soda in a large bowl, making sure every piece gets a light coating. This step—called “velveting”—relaxes muscle fibers for superior, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let the beef rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the slices well under cold water to remove any lingering baking soda, and pat them dry again. Season the beef with salt and pepper and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken stock, cornstarch, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, light and dark soy sauces, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth, glossy liquid. This silky sauce is the flavor backbone for your Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients!
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Place your wok (or a large skillet) over high heat until smoking hot. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the beef strips in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Sear for about 30 seconds per side, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Toss briefly, then remove the steak to a plate to keep things from overcooking.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Pour the remaining oil into the wok. Add the onions, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant and caramelized—you want those delicious, toasty aromas. Toss in the sliced green and red bell peppers, cooking just until they’re crisp-tender, about 30 seconds. The secret to Chinese pepper steak’s irresistible texture is never overcooking the vegetables; they should keep their vivid color and bite.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Return the seared steak—and any juices—to the wok. Stir everything together to mingle those amazing flavors for 15 to 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low and pour in your prepared sauce, stirring constantly. The sauce will quickly thicken and coat the beef and veggies in that restaurant-style glossy finish. As soon as it reaches your desired thickness, remove the pan from the heat.
How to Serve Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a pinch of extra white pepper adds a final flourish to your Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients. These gorgeous garnishes not only punch up the flavor and texture but also make your finished dish look like it just came from your favorite takeout spot!
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely shines over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up every drop of that savory sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve with brown rice, fried rice, or even crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Lightly sautéed greens, like bok choy or Chinese broccoli, are delicious partners on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, tuck the hot steak and peppers into toasted bao buns or spoon them over a steaming bowl of noodles. You could even turn this stir-fry into a vibrant rice bowl with a fried egg on top for that extra wow factor—everyone will love your creative approach to Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover steak and veggies to an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled to room temperature. Keep it refrigerated, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-go meal for the next three days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, intensifying the flavors and making each bite even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients for later, it’s best to let the steak and veggies cool completely first. Store them (with sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the tastiest results.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir until everything is evenly heated and the steak is piping hot but still juicy and tender. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the texture holds up best with stovetop warming!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for Chinese pepper steak, chuck roast and London broil are great alternatives. Just remember to slice thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
Is Shaoxing wine necessary?
Shaoxing wine adds authentic Chinese flavor, but if you can’t find it, dry sherry or even a splash of white wine will do the trick. Don’t skip this step—it brings a subtle depth that makes the sauce irresistible.
How do I make the steak extra tender?
Using baking soda to “velvet” the beef is a restaurant secret that works wonders. Coat the sliced beef, let it rest for 30 minutes, rinse, and dry—it breaks down the fibers just enough to keep your steak juicy and tender when cooked.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! While the classic version features bell peppers and onions, mushrooms, snap peas, or sliced carrots would all be delicious additions. Just keep the veggies cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
What’s the best oil to use for stir-frying?
Go for a high-smoke-point, neutral-flavored oil like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil. These let the beautiful flavors of your Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients shine without any greasy aftertaste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly satisfying about making your own Chinese takeout favorite with wholesome ingredients and bold, crave-worthy flavor. I hope you’ll give this Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients a try the next time you want to treat yourself or impress your family—it truly delivers on both comfort and wow factor!
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Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak RecipeIngredients Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe combines tender beef strips with colorful bell peppers and a flavorful sauce for a classic dish that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 12 ounces of flank steak (or chuck roast or London broil)
- 1 to 1½ teaspoons of baking soda
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup of low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1½ tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon of brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon of sesame oil
- ⅛ teaspoon of white pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- ½ red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons of neutral oil
- ½ teaspoon of minced ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic
Instructions
- Slice and Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips, velvet with baking soda, rinse, season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Sear the beef in a hot wok until browned, then set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Cook onion, ginger, and garlic, add bell peppers, then add back the beef.
- Combine and Serve: Pour in the sauce, stir until thickened, and serve over rice.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the steak dry before slicing for better browning.
- Velveting the beef ensures tender results.
- Adjust the sauce seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chinese Pepper Steak, Beef Stir-Fry, Homemade Chinese Food
