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- 1 pound flank steak - 1 large onion, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt to taste This dish shines with simple, fresh ingredients. The flank steak gives it a rich flavor. Slicing it thinly helps it cook fast and stay tender. For veggies, I use onion and two types of bell peppers. They add color and crunch. The marinade is key. A mix of soy sauce and cornstarch helps flavor the meat and keeps it juicy. The sauce blends oyster sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil. This mix brings depth to the dish and makes it truly mouthwatering. Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a delightful meal. Each part plays a role in the final taste. Enjoy the process of cooking and the wonderful smell filling your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Marinating the steak: First, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This ensures it stays tender. In a bowl, mix the steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss it well to coat every piece. Marinate this for at least 15 minutes. This step adds great flavor and helps with tenderness. - Optimal preparation time: You can marinate the steak for up to 30 minutes if you want. This gives more time for the flavors to soak in. Just don't go too long, or the meat can become mushy. - Searing the steak: Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before you add the steak. Place the marinated steak in a single layer. Sear it for about 2 to 3 minutes without stirring. This helps form a nice crust. Then, flip the steak and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it's just done. - Cooking tips for perfect texture: Avoid overcrowding the pan. If you have too much steak, cook it in batches. This helps it sear instead of steam, keeping it juicy and tender. - Cooking onions and peppers: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Now, add your sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. - Avoiding overcooking for best results: Keep an eye on them. If you cook too long, the veggies will lose their crunch. You want that nice bite that pairs well with the steak. - Adding the sauce and seasoning: After the veggies are ready, add minced ginger and garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, return the cooked steak to the skillet. Pour in oyster sauce, black pepper, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. - Final toss method for flavor: Toss everything together for about 1 to 2 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend well. Serve this hot over a bed of jasmine rice. You can add more black pepper on top if you like it spicy. Enjoy your tasty pepper steak! To sear your steak well, heat your pan until it’s very hot. High heat helps create a nice crust. If the heat is too low, the meat will steam instead of sear. To avoid this, do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the steak in batches if needed. This ensures each piece gets that delicious brown color. You can adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more black pepper or a dash of chili flakes. You can also swap out the vegetables. Try using broccoli, snow peas, or carrots for a different twist. Each veggie brings its own flavor. This way, you can make the dish your own! Serve your pepper steak over fluffy jasmine rice. This rice soaks up the tasty sauce well. You can also add a side of stir-fried greens for a pop of color. For garnish, sprinkle some fresh herbs or extra black pepper on top. This adds visual appeal and extra flavor to your meal. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow your flank steak to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. High Heat Cooking: Use high heat for searing the steak. This ensures a nice crust forms while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Vegetable Crunch: Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp. This adds texture and maintains some of their natural sweetness. Serving Suggestion: Serve the dish over jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add a fragrant element to your meal. {{image_2}} You can swap flank steak for chicken or tofu. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut them into thin strips and marinate like the steak. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. If using tofu, press and drain it first. Cut into cubes and sauté until golden brown. Adjust your cooking time based on your choice of protein to ensure it cooks properly. Get creative with your sauce! Try a sweet and sour mix by adding pineapple juice and a bit of sugar. You can also add hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor. If you want more heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or Szechuan peppercorns. These small changes can bring a whole new taste to your dish. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the meat and use plant-based ingredients. You can try mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty texture. Add soy sauce and miso paste to provide umami flavors that are rich and satisfying. These swaps keep the dish flavorful while making it suitable for everyone. To keep your Chinese pepper steak fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the dish. You can place it in the fridge right after it cools. The dish will last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This method keeps the steak juicy and tender. Stir the dish for a few minutes until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the meat. Freezing is a great way to store pepper steak. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best taste. Marinate the steak for at least 15 minutes. This simple step helps the meat absorb the soy sauce flavor. If you have more time, you can let it sit for up to an hour. A longer marinating time enhances the taste even more. Yes, you can use other cuts. Sirloin or ribeye works well. Each cut has a different taste and texture. Flank steak is lean and tender, while ribeye has more fat and flavor. Choose based on your preference. Jasmine rice is the best choice for pepper steak. It has a nice aroma and fluffy texture. Other options include basmati rice or brown rice. These types pair well with the rich flavors of the dish. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the steak and vegetables, then store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat everything in a skillet. This is a great way to save time. This blog post covered how to prepare a delicious pepper steak. We looked at key ingredients like flank steak and flavorful sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, cooking, and stir-frying. You also learned tips to customize flavors and some variations, including vegetarian options. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun. Enjoy making this dish your own, and savor each bite!

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

A flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and onions, stir-fried to perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • to taste salt
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Ensure the oil is hot.
  • Add the marinated steak to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes, without stirring, until browned. Then turn the pieces over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
  • Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Return the cooked steak to the skillet, and stir in the oyster sauce, black pepper, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together for about 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • Serve hot over a bed of jasmine rice, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.

Notes

Serve with jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Keyword onion, pepper, steak, stir-fry