Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that delivers restaurant-level flavor while remaining simple enough for any weeknight, look no further than this Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth strips of beef, a glossy, savory sauce, and a rainbow of crisp-tender bell peppers and onions. Every bite balances the deep umami notes of oyster sauce, the gentle heat of white pepper, and all the vibrance that classic stir-fried vegetables have to offer. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just stepping into the world of Chinese cuisine, this recipe promises to win hearts—and taste buds—at your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes this dish sing is a handful of well-chosen ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final flavor profile. These ingredients come together harmoniously to build the signature taste, texture, and alluring color of this beloved recipe.

• Flank steak: This cut, when sliced properly, delivers tenderness and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Baking soda: Velveting your beef with baking soda guarantees juicy, tender steak every time.
• Salt and pepper: A simple sprinkle ensures the steak has base seasoning before the flavors layer up.
• Low-sodium chicken stock: Lends body and ties the sauce together without overpowering saltiness.
• Cornstarch: The secret to a perfectly glossy, thick sauce that clings to every component.
• Oyster sauce: Brings that essential savory-sweet depth characteristic of Chinese stir-fries.
• Shaoxing wine: Adds a subtle aromatic complexity—dry sherry works in a pinch if needed.
• Light soy sauce: Provides foundational saltiness and classic color.
• Dark soy sauce: For rich color and a touch of molasses-like flavor.
• Brown sugar: Balances out the salty and savory with a gentle hint of sweetness.
• Sesame oil: Just a splash infuses the sauce with toasty, nutty aroma.
• White pepper: A subtle kick that lifts everything without overpowering.
• Green bell pepper: For that fresh, grassy flavor and brilliant color.
• Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant sweetness and a pop of red in each bite.
• Onion: Brings natural sweetness and complexity to the mix.
• Neutral oil: Ensures all the ingredients sear beautifully without adding extra flavors.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a warm, zesty aroma to the stir fry.
• Garlic: Essential for that unmistakable Chinese restaurant fragrance.

How to Make Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Beef

Pat your steak dry with a paper towel—this helps you get a good, even sear later on. Cut across the grain into strips around 3 inches long and about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If you find the beef sliding around, try slicing while it’s still slightly frozen and firm; this makes neat, thin cuts much easier, and helps with tenderness later on.

Step 2: Velvet the Beef

Transfer your steak strips into a large bowl and sprinkle the baking soda evenly over them. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated. Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes—this classic technique called velveting guarantees the most tender beef you’ve ever had in a pepper steak. After 30 minutes, rinse off the baking soda thoroughly under cold water, pat the beef dry again, then season lightly with salt and pepper and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the chicken stock, cornstarch, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, both soy sauces, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Give it a good whisk until the cornstarch has dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This complex (yet quick!) blend will turn into the signature glossy coating you know and crave in a Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe.

Step 4: Prep the Vegetables

While the beef is marinating, get your veggies ready. Slice your bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the ginger and the garlic. Prepping these ingredients ahead ensures that when you start stir-frying, everything happens quickly and smoothly—stir-fries are all about speed and control.

Step 5: Sear the Beef

Heat your wok over high until it’s just beginning to smoke, then add one tablespoon of neutral oil, swirling it around. Add your steak strips in a single layer and sear for about 30 seconds on each side—they should turn light brown, keeping the interior juicy. Give the beef a quick toss so there’s barely any pink left, then transfer it to a separate plate to rest. This quick sear locks in that incredible tenderness.

Step 6: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Pour the remaining oil into your hot wok. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute or until the onions start to caramelize and your kitchen smells amazing. It’s time to add the sliced bell peppers; continue to stir-fry for just 30 seconds—they should stay bright and crisp for freshness in each bite.

Step 7: Combine & Sauce

Return your seared beef back to the wok. Toss everything vigorously for 15 to 30 seconds—enough to marry the flavors and finish cooking the steak slices through. Lower the heat, pour in your prepared sauce, and stir to coat every piece of beef and vegetable. The sauce should thicken into a gorgeous glaze; once it reaches that silky finish, take your wok off the heat and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Garnishes

This dish begs for a sprinkle of finishing touches, such as sliced green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds. These not only add a pop of color but also bring out the fresh aromas and crunch that take your meal right over the top.

Side Dishes

The classic companion is a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine or white rice, which soaks up all that glossy sauce perfectly. If you want a lighter touch, serve the Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe alongside some simple steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas for a crisp, green counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon the pepper steak into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer, or lay it on top of crispy fried noodles for extra crunch. Packing it into a bento box alongside some pickled veggies turns weekday lunch into a special occasion. The colorful presentation always shines on a simple white platter as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch surprisingly tasty. It’ll keep well for up to three days—just be sure to keep it separate from rice if possible.

Freezing

The Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe freezes beautifully! Pack cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and press out as much air as possible. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently in the microwave.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the pepper steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. If you’re using the microwave, cover the dish and use short bursts, stirring in between to heat it evenly without drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is classic, chuck roast or London broil work well. Just slice them thinly against the grain, and be sure to velvet them for the best results.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

No worries! A dry sherry makes an excellent substitute, or you can simply leave it out if you don’t have either—the dish will still be delicious, with just a bit less depth of flavor.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Not by default, since soy sauce and oyster sauce typically contain gluten. Swap them for gluten-free versions if needed, and your Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe will be safe for gluten-free diners.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes! Sliced mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn are all delicious additions. Just keep in mind to cut them all to similar sizes for even cooking, and add them according to their required cooking times.

How do I avoid overcooking the beef?

Stir-fry the beef quickly on high heat until just browned, then remove it from the wok. Add it back in only at the end with the sauce, and let the residual heat finish cooking—this ensures maximum tenderness.

Final Thoughts

You’re just a few steps away from enjoying the best homemade stir fry you’ve ever tasted. Don’t be surprised when this Tender and Flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe becomes your new family favorite. The next time you’re craving something bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying, give this dish a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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