Our Family’s Beloved Pepper Steak Recipe: A Timeless Classic

Sizzling aromas of tender beef and vibrant bell peppers dance through our family’s pepper steak recipe, passed down through generations.

This classic dish carries memories of Sunday dinners and warm kitchen gatherings.

Generations of home cooks have perfected each savory detail, blending traditional techniques with bold Asian-inspired flavors.

The secret lies in marinating the beef just right, allowing each slice to absorb rich, complex seasonings.

Thin strips of beef become meltingly tender when cooked quickly over high heat, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Serve this pepper steak over steaming white rice for a complete and satisfying dinner that connects you to time-honored culinary traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Makes My Family’s Pepper Steak Recipe Special

• Flank Steak: Lean, tender cut perfect for quick stir-frying, choose meat with minimal fat marbling for best texture.
• Fermented Black Soybeans: Adds deep umami and complex salty flavor, seek out authentic Chinese brands for most authentic taste.

• Garlic, Scallion: Fresh alliums that provide sharp, pungent base notes and bright finish to the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Crisp vegetables adding sweet crunch and vibrant color, select peppers with smooth, glossy skin and firm texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat with high smoke point ideal for high-heat stir-frying.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth, opt for low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.
• Cornstarch: Creates silky sauce texture and helps thicken pan liquids, ensure it's fresh and clump-free.
• Cooked White Rice: Neutral base that absorbs sauce and complements the steak's bold flavors.

Tools to Help You Cook Pepper Steak with Ease

• Wok: Heavy-bottomed, high-sided pan perfect for high-heat stir-frying and creating delicious flavor combinations.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of bell peppers, scallions, and garlic.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely and efficiently.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure cornstarch and other dry ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring and moving ingredients in the wok without scratching the surface.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for coating steak with soybeans, cornstarch, and garlic mixture.

Step-by-Step for Making This Classic Pepper Steak

• Soybean Preparation

Rinse black soybeans and let them soak briefly. Quickly chop colorful bell peppers, fresh scallions, and fragrant garlic into bite-sized pieces.

• Meat Coating

Create a flavorful seasoning blend by mixing crushed soybeans, cornstarch, and minced garlic. Generously coat thin steak slices with this zesty mixture.

• Searing Magic

Fire up a hot wok and quickly sear the seasoned steak until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior while remaining tender inside.

• Veggie Fusion

Toss vibrant bell peppers into the wok, allowing them to dance and sizzle for a quick moment. Pour in rich chicken stock and gently stir until the sauce transforms into a silky, glossy coating.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped scallions over the steaming pepper steak. Serve immediately alongside fluffy steamed rice for a mouthwatering meal that brings together incredible textures and flavors.

Serving My Family’s Pepper Steak at Dinner

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this pepper steak with steamed jasmine rice for a classic Asian-inspired dining experience that brings out the rich, savory notes of the dish.
• Texture Contrast Delight: Top the steak with fresh, crisp scallion rings and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to each bite.
• Hearty Companion Plate: Serve alongside quick-pickled cucumber salad or stir-fried bok choy to balance the protein and introduce a refreshing, light element to the meal.
• Spice Level Adventure: Add a small side of chili oil or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick, allowing diners to customize their heat preference at the table.

Keeping Leftovers Tasty and Moist

• Smart Portioning Strategy: Slice extra steak into meal-sized portions before refrigerating, making future reheating quick and effortless for busy weeknights.
• Chilled Storage Technique: Keep leftover pepper steak in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap individual servings in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pepper steak maintains excellent quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated steak gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out and maintain the original tender texture.

Tips for Bold Flavor in Pepper Steak

• Slice steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing. This simple technique breaks down muscle fibers, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Experiment with adding red pepper flakes or a dash of Sichuan peppercorns for an extra kick of heat that elevates the traditional pepper steak flavor profile.
• Replace bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or even zucchini to keep the dish exciting and use what's fresh in your kitchen.
• For a lighter option, swap beef with chicken breast or turkey slices while keeping the same delicious marinade and cooking method. This flexibility makes the recipe perfect for different dietary preferences.

Tender Pepper Steak Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Family pepper steak flows with rich Chinese-American flavors, combining tender beef strips and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic comfort dish you can easily recreate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb/454 g flank steak
• 2 medium bell peppers (yellow, red, or orange)
• 1 medium scallion
• 2 tbsps finely chopped or microplaned garlic
• 2 tbsps fermented black soybeans
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• ¾ to 1 cup/180-240 ml chicken broth or stock
• Cooked white rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Soak black soybeans in water for 10 minutes to soften, then thoroughly crush and mix with cornstarch and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade for the steak slices. Slice bell peppers into uniform strips, finely dice scallions, and crush garlic cloves to prepare all ingredients for rapid cooking.
2. Searing: Heat wok or large skillet to high temperature until surface radiates intense heat, then immediately introduce marinated steak slices to develop a caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender center.
3. Vegetable Integration: Swiftly add bell pepper strips to the sizzling steak, tossing quickly to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant color while ensuring even cooking.
4. Sauce Development: Pour chicken stock into the wok, allowing the liquid to create a rich, glossy sauce that simultaneously cooks the steak and melds the dish’s complex flavors.
5. Final Preparation: Continue stirring the mixture until the sauce reduces and thickens, coating the steak and peppers with a luxurious sheen, then immediately remove from heat.
6. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped scallions and plate over steamed white rice, presenting a harmonious blend of textures, colors, and robust flavors.

Notes

• Soak Soybeans Strategically: Allow exactly 10 minutes for black soybeans to soften, releasing deeper flavor profiles without becoming mushy.
• Prep Ingredients Precisely: Cut bell peppers and scallions uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the dish.
• Master Wok Temperature: Heat must reach shimmering point before adding steak to guarantee perfect caramelization and prevent meat from steaming instead of searing.
• Sauce Reduction Secrets: Stir continuously during final cooking stage, watching sauce thickness carefully to achieve glossy, clingy consistency that elevates the entire pepper steak experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg