5 Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak Recipes You'll Love

Pepper steak is a delightful classic in Chinese-American cuisine, offering a mouthwatering mix of tender beef, vibrant peppers, and a savory sauce. While the dish is simple in its concept, the beauty lies in its flavor and versatility. Today, we'll dive into five exquisite variations of Chinese Pepper Steak recipes that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also bring a piece of Chinese culinary tradition to your kitchen. Each recipe has its unique twist, bringing different dimensions of taste to your dinner table.

1. Traditional Chinese Pepper Steak

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Marinate the beef:

   • Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch with the beef slices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Stir-fry:

   • Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
   • Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
   • Add onions and peppers to the skillet, stir-fry until slightly tender.
   • Return the beef to the pan, add remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until well combined.

3. Serve:

   • Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for an authentic experience.

👨‍🍳 Note: Ensure the wok or skillet is very hot to sear the beef properly, which helps retain its juices.

2. Spicy Black Pepper Beef

While traditional pepper steak uses green and red bell peppers, this version adds a kick with black pepper.

• 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced
• 2 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sherry or rice wine
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

Steps:

1. Marinate the steak:

   • Combine soy sauce, sherry, and half the black pepper with the steak. Marinate for 20 minutes.

2. Cook the steak:

   • In a hot wok or skillet, heat the oil and butter. Add garlic, fry briefly, then add the steak, cooking until browned.
   • Remove steak and set aside.
   • Add more oil if needed, then stir-fry the onions and bell peppers until crisp-tender.
   • Return the steak to the pan, add remaining pepper, oyster sauce, and stir-fry for another minute.

3. Serve:

   • Serve this spicy delight with steamed jasmine rice to balance the heat.

3. Szechuan Pepper Steak

Szechuan peppercorns offer a numbing, spicy, and citric flavor, unique to this style of pepper steak.

• 1 lb rib-eye steak, sliced
• 2 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, ground
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• 4 dried chili peppers, crushed
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced

Steps:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Marinate the steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce, half the ground Szechuan peppercorns, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.

2. Stir-fry:

   • Heat chili oil in a wok or skillet. Add chili peppers, garlic, and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
   • Add the beef, stir-fry until browned, then remove.
   • Add onions and bell peppers, cook until slightly softened. Return the beef, add remaining ingredients, and stir-fry until the sauce thickens.

3. Serve:

   • This spicy and aromatic dish pairs well with plain rice to cool down the palate.

4. Garlic Pepper Beef

For garlic lovers, this variation focuses on the robust flavor of garlic paired with fresh black pepper.

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 10 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh black pepper, cracked
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Green onions for garnish

Steps:

1. Marinate:

   • Marinate the steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.

2. Stir-fry:

   • Heat a pan or wok with a little oil. Add garlic, fry until golden, then remove.
   • Add beef to the pan, stir-fry until cooked, then remove.
   • Add more oil if needed, stir-fry onions and bell peppers, then return beef and garlic. Add cracked black pepper, toss to combine.

3. Serve:

   • Garnish with green onions and serve with a side of stir-fried greens.

🌟 Note: Use fresh garlic and black pepper for the best flavor in this recipe.

5. Green Pepper Beef

With a focus on green peppers, this dish balances out the flavors with a slight sweetness.

• 1 lb round steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 green bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced diagonally
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• Oil for stir-frying

Steps:

1. Marinate:

   • Mix steak with soy sauce, wine, and cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

2. Stir-fry:

   • In a wok or large skillet, heat oil and stir-fry beef until browned, then set aside.
   • Stir-fry onions, bell peppers, and carrots until crisp-tender. Add hoisin sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt, mix well.
   • Return the beef to the pan, stir-fry until everything is well coated with the sauce.

3. Serve:

   • This dish complements well with white rice or noodles, offering a sweet and savory taste.

In closing, these five delicious Chinese pepper steak recipes offer a variety of flavors and cooking techniques, bringing the rich culinary heritage of Chinese cuisine to your home. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or a spicier, numbing sensation, each recipe provides an opportunity to explore different aspects of taste, texture, and presentation. From the classic balance of green and red peppers in the traditional recipe to the fiery kick of Szechuan peppercorns, these dishes showcase the versatility of pepper steak. Remember, the key to a great pepper steak is high heat, fresh ingredients, and the art of balancing flavors. Try out these recipes, and you'll not only satisfy your cravings but also impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

Can I make these recipes with chicken or another meat?

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Absolutely! You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent overcooking or undercooking the protein.

How can I make these recipes less spicy?

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To reduce spiciness, omit or reduce the amount of black or Szechuan peppercorns, chili oil, or dried chili peppers in the recipe. You can also add more sugar or hoisin sauce to balance out the heat.

What are some good side dishes to serve with pepper steak?

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Pepper steak pairs well with:

• Steamed or fried rice
• Stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli
• Egg noodles or lo mein
• A simple salad with Asian dressing

How do I store leftover pepper steak?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.