Better Than Take Out - Easy Pepper Steak Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef chuck (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (such as Shaoxing wine)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for marinade)
• 0.5 tsp dark soy sauce (for color in marinade)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for stir-fry sauce)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for stir-fry sauce)
• 0.5 tsp dark soy sauce (for stir-fry sauce)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for stir-fry sauce)
• 1 tsp sugar
• white pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided for frying)
• 3 garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (sliced into wedges)
• 2 bell peppers (multi-color, sliced into strips)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the beef by slicing it into thin strips against the grain. Place the beef in a bowl and add soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, cornstarch, and dark soy sauce. Mix well and let it rest for 10 minutes to marinate.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the stir-fry sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, white pepper, and water. Whisk until the cornstarch and sugar are dissolved, then set aside.

3. 3

   Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it is piping hot. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat.

4. 4

   Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Stir-fry over high heat until the beef just changes color and is browned on the outside.

5. 5

   Push the beef to the side of the wok (or remove it temporarily). Add another tablespoon of oil if needed, then add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and multi-color bell peppers.

6. 6

   Stir-fry the vegetables for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.

7. 7

   Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the beef and vegetables.

8. 8

   Toss everything together for another 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coated all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

Beef chuck is recommended as an affordable yet flavorful cut for this recipe. The 'secret ingredient' mentioned for tenderness is the cornstarch in the marinade, which helps velvet the meat.

Nutrition per serving

• Pepper Steak
• Chinese Food
• Main Course
• Stir-Fried
• Quick Dinner
• Beef
• Bell Peppers