1. Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- While the beef is marinating, slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it starts to brown. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften but still have some crunch.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth (or water), hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
6. Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the beef and vegetables with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
7. Serve
- Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak
- Cut Against the Grain: Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender results.
- High Heat Cooking: Use high heat to quickly sear the beef and cook the vegetables, which helps retain their vibrant colors and textures.
- Marination: Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Vegetable Crunch: Cook the vegetables just until tender-crisp to maintain a nice texture.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add some sliced chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Different Proteins: Substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different take on the dish.
- Additional Vegetables: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for added variety and nutrition.
Conclusion
Pepper steak is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Key Takeaway
The secret to the best ever pepper steak lies in the quality of the beef, the freshness of the vegetables, and the balance of flavors in the sauce. By following this guide, you’ll create a dish that’s not only tasty but also visually appealing and nutritious.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Happy cooking!