Chinese Pepper Steak

Here’s a takeout-style favorite you can make at home in under 30 minutes: Chinese Pepper Steak 🥩🌶️. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with crisp bell peppers in a savory, garlicky soy-based sauce. It’s flavorful, fast, and perfect over rice or noodles.

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🥡 Chinese Pepper Steak

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4

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📝 Ingredients

For the steak:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for depth)

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or brown sugar for a sweeter touch)

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

• ½ tsp black pepper, or more to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 1. Marinate the Beef

• Toss beef slices with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch.

• Let sit for 10–15 minutes while prepping the vegetables.

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🔹 2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, and black pepper.

• Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

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🔹 3. Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.

2. Add beef in a single layer and sear quickly, about 1–2 minutes per side.

3. Remove and set aside.

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🔹 4. Stir-Fry the Veggies

1. Add another tbsp of oil to the pan.

2. Stir-fry onion, bell peppers, and garlic (and ginger, if using) for 3–4 minutes, until just tender but still crisp.

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🔹 5. Combine Everything

1. Return beef to the pan.

2. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.

3. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything.

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🔹 6. Serve

• Serve hot over steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles.

• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

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🔄 Variations

• Use mushrooms or snow peas for extra veggies

• Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu

• Add crushed red pepper or chili oil for heat

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Would you like a meal prep version, or a low-carb variation using cauliflower rice or keto sauce substitutes?