Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- Slice the Steak: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain into bite-sized strips. This helps keep the steak tender.
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth. Stir until smooth, then set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and onions to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Steak
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Return the Vegetables: Once the steak is browned, return the cooked bell peppers and onions to the skillet.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss everything to coat the steak and vegetables evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and glazes the steak and vegetables.
- Add Pepper and Heat: Stir in the black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using) to add a kick to the dish. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve: Serve your Best Ever Pepper Steak over steamed white rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Beef Selection: Flank steak is ideal, but you can also use sirloin or skirt steak. Just ensure the beef is thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness.
- Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an additional teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water. For a sweeter dish, increase the sugar or honey slightly.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Conclusion
This Best Ever Pepper Steak delivers a delicious balance of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese takeout, but even better! Perfect for busy weeknights or a flavorful family meal, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation. Enjoy!