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Chinese pepper steak recipe with tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers and glossy brown sauce in cast iron skillet. Authentic restaurant-style stir-fry with perfect sauce coating.

Authentic Chinese Pepper Steak

Authentic Chinese pepper steak recipe with tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers and glossy savory sauce. Better than takeout restaurant-quality stir-fry ready in 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Flank steak Thinly sliced against grain
  • 3 tablespoon Soy sauce Low-sodium, divided
  • 2 tablespoon Cornstarch Divided for velveting and sauce
  • 3 tablespoon Vegetable oil Divided for cooking
  • 1 large Onion Thinly sliced
  • 1 large Bell pepper Any color, sliced
  • 1 large Green bell pepper Thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger Minced
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce Optional for umami
  • 1 teaspoon Brown sugar For balance
  • 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar For brightness
  • ½ teaspoon Sesame oil For finishing
  • 2 stalks Green onions Sliced for garnish
  • ¼ teaspoon White pepper Traditional seasoning

Equipment

  • Large wok or skillet For high-heat stir-frying
  • Sharp knife For precise beef slicing
  • Cutting board For safe food preparation
  • Small mixing bowl For sauce preparation
  • Measuring spoons For accurate seasoning
  • Wooden spoon For stir-frying
  • Plate For resting cooked beef
  • Whisk For smooth sauce mixing

Method
 

  1. Slice flank steak thinly against grain into bite-sized strips
  2. Marinate beef in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch for 15 minutes
  3. Whisk remaining soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger
  4. Heat wok over high heat until smoking, add 2 tablespoon oil
  5. Add beef in single layer, sear 2 minutes undisturbed
  6. Stir-fry beef until just cooked, remove to plate
  7. Add remaining oil to hot wok
  8. Stir-fry onions 2 minutes until softened
  9. Add bell peppers, stir-fry 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender
  10. Return beef to wok with prepared sauce
  11. Stir until sauce thickens and coats everything
  12. Garnish with green onions, serve immediately over rice

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.