Pepper steak is a popular dish that typically consists of thinly sliced pieces of beef, often sirloin or ribeye, that are stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and other ingredients. It’s a flavorful and savory dish that’s commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, particularly in Western countries. Here’s a basic recipe for making pepper steak:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (different colors for visual appeal), thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional: sliced chili peppers for heat
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef to this marinade and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.
- Add the marinated beef slices to the hot pan. Spread them out in a single layer and let them sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain some crunch.
- Return the cooked beef to the pan and mix everything together.
- Pour in the beef broth or water and stir to combine. This will create a flavorful sauce.
- If you like some heat, you can add sliced chili peppers at this point.
- Allow the dish to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more soy sauce or black pepper if desired.
- Once everything is well-cooked and the sauce is to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions if you prefer.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the beef and your preferred level of doneness. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or seasonings that you enjoy.
