Chinese Pepper Steak

Chinese Pepper Steak is a flavorful and savory stir-fry dish featuring thinly sliced beef, colorful bell peppers, and a delicious sauce. Here’s a recipe to make it at home:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for extra heat)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:
   • In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), cornstarch, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth (or water). Set the sauce aside.
3. Stir-Fry:
   • Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.
   • Add the marinated beef to the hot pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes until it’s browned. Then, stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but are still crisp-tender.
5. Add Aromatics:
   • Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan to create a space in the center. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns (if using). Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Combine and Finish:
   • Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything.
   • Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the Chinese Pepper Steak to a serving platter, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot with cooked white rice.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese Pepper Steak with its tender beef, colorful peppers, and savory sauce. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.