Growing up, my family often had Chinese takeout on Fridays as a treat. Now that I have a family of my own, I’ve tried to recreate those comforting flavors without needing to rely on ordering out. This dish is super simple, flavorful, and can be made in about 30 minutes. Yes, you heard that right! With just a few ingredients and some basic techniques, you can bring that takeout experience right into your kitchen.
The beauty of this dish lies not just in its taste but in how flexible it is. You can swap in whatever colorful bell peppers you have on hand, and if you’re not a beef lover, this recipe works great with chicken or tofu too. My kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they particularly enjoy mixing the sauces and tossing in the veggies. It’s a fun and interactive way to get them involved in mealtime.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this vibrant, savory dish that pack in those family-favorite flavors. I promise, once you make this pepper steak, it will quickly become a staple in your household, just like it has in ours!
Making Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 lb steak, trimmed and cut into thin slices
- 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine or mirin
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 small bell peppers, diced
- 2 tbsp peanut oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- Optional: sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds
Serve with: steamed rice or cooked noodles
Directions
Start by marinating the sliced steak. In a bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, mirin, and cornstarch. Toss the beef strips until completely coated and let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Next, take a separate bowl and whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. Set this sauce mixture aside; it’ll add tons of flavor!
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer—don’t stir it just yet. Let it sear for 30 to 45 seconds until it’s nicely browned, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Once done, remove the steak pieces and set them aside.
Now, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of peanut oil to your pan. Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying them for about 4 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger—cook these for an additional 30 seconds to release those marvelous aromas!
Stir in the sauce you prepared earlier, bringing it to a gentle simmer for about a minute to slightly thicken it. Finally, reintroduce the steak to the pan, giving it a good stir to coat it well with the sauce. Allow everything to heat through for another 30 seconds before removing it from the heat.
And there you have it! Serve your flavorful pepper steak over a bed of rice or noodles. Feel free to garnish it with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for that extra touch. Enjoy this quick, delightful meal with your loved ones!
Storing Suggestion
If you have leftover pepper steak, cool it down before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to maintain its flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips
To make this dish even more flavorful, consider marinating the steak overnight. Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with the vegetables; snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli can add a lovely twist. For a little heat, throw in some sliced chili peppers or a splash of sriracha.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pepper steak over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or toss it with cooked noodles for a heartier meal. A light cucumber salad on the side can add a refreshing contrast, and pairing it with a simple green tea will round out your dining experience beautifully.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you find yourself short on an ingredient, no worries! You can replace mirin with a mix of rice vinegar and sugar for a similar sweet tang. If you don’t have oyster sauce, soy sauce with a hint of sugar can work in a pinch. Choose your favorite cut of meat; flank steak or sirloin are both excellent alternatives if you’re not keen on using the usual cuts.
Seasonal Variations
Feel free to adapt this recipe with seasonal vegetables. In the summer, throw in some zucchini and corn for a delightful twist. In the winter, add root vegetables like carrots and bok choy for a heartier texture. Seasonal ingredients can bring fresh flavor and make the dish feel new!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains soy and can contain allergens like gluten depending on the soy sauce used. For gluten-free options, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjusting for peanuts, substitute with vegetable oil for those with nut allergies. Always read labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken, pork, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially if you’re using chicken breast or tofu, which will need slightly longer cooking to ensure doneness.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish isn’t spicy as written, but you can easily add heat to suit your taste. Consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers when you sauté the vegetables to give it a kick. Alternatively, drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving!
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s not ideal to freeze dishes with cooked steak because it can alter the texture, you can freeze the sauce and vegetables separately. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat and quickly sear fresh meat to mix back in.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be repurposed in various ways! Toss them onto a salad for a protein boost, mix them with stir-fried rice, or use them as a filling for wraps. The flavor intensifies with each serving, making leftovers deliciously satisfying!
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can easily bulk up the veggie content by adding your favorites! Broccoli, snap peas, carrot slices, or even shredded cabbage make fantastic additions. Just remember to adjust your cooking time to ensure everything is nicely cooked but still crisp.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
This recipe is a family-friendly choice, but you might want to adjust the sauce’s saltiness by using less soy sauce or opting for low-sodium versions. Since it’s flavorful, kids will likely enjoy the taste—just be cautious if they’re sensitive to spices!
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, low sodium
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 lb steak, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth, low sodium
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine or mirin
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, coarsely ground
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 small bell peppers, diced
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- Optional: sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds
- Serve with: steamed rice or cooked noodles
Instructions
- Marinate the steak by mixing soy sauce, mirin, and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss the beef to coat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, and cooking wine. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over high heat. Add steak in a single layer and cook for 30-45 seconds without stirring until browned. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Return the pan to medium heat and add the remaining oil. Stir-fry the onions and peppers for about 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the sauce and bring it to a simmer for 1 minute until it thickens.
- Return the steak to the pan, stirring to coat it with the sauce. Cook for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Serve your delicious steak over rice or noodles, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired!
