Chinese Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipes
Chinese pepper steak stir fry is a delicious, quick, and flavorful dish that combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s a classic in Chinese-American cuisine and is perfect for a hearty meal served over rice or noodles. Below are three variations of Chinese pepper steak stir fry, each with a unique twist to satisfy different taste preferences.
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## **1. Classic Chinese Pepper Steak Stir Fry**
This traditional version highlights the essential ingredients—tender beef, bell peppers, and onions in a rich soy-based sauce.
### **Ingredients:**
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda (optional, for extra tender beef)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (for a touch of sweetness)
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
### **Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the beef:** In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. **Heat the oil:** In a wok or large skillet over high heat, add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. **Sauté the aromatics:** Add the remaining oil, then toss in the garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. **Prepare the sauce:** Add the beef broth, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. **Combine and thicken:** Return the beef to the pan, pour in the cornstarch slurry, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
6. **Serve:** Enjoy over steamed rice or noodles.
**Flavor Profile:** A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami with tender beef and crisp bell peppers.
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## **2. Spicy Sichuan-Style Pepper Steak Stir Fry**
For those who love a kick of heat, this Sichuan-inspired version adds chili and numbing Sichuan peppercorns.
### **Ingredients:**
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2-3 dried red chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, lightly crushed
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp black bean sauce (adds depth and umami)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
### **Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the beef:** Mix beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
2. **Heat the oil:** In a hot wok, stir-fry the beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. **Toast the Sichuan peppercorns:** In the same wok, add a little more oil and toast the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies until fragrant.
4. **Cook the vegetables:** Add garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
5. **Prepare the sauce:** Add beef broth, black bean sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well.
6. **Combine and thicken:** Return beef to the pan, add the cornstarch slurry, and cook until the sauce thickens.
7. **Serve:** Best enjoyed with jasmine rice.
**Flavor Profile:** A bold combination of heat, numbing spice, and deep umami from the black bean sauce.
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## **3. Garlic-Ginger Pepper Steak Stir Fry with Mushrooms**
This variation enhances the dish with earthy mushrooms and a robust garlic-ginger sauce.
### **Ingredients:**
- 1 lb skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (for mild sweetness)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
### **Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the beef:** Mix with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
2. **Heat the oil:** Stir-fry the beef in a hot wok until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. **Sauté the mushrooms:** In the same wok, add more oil and cook mushrooms until golden brown.
4. **Cook the vegetables:** Add garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
5. **Prepare the sauce:** Add beef broth, dark soy sauce, honey, black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir well.
6. **Combine and thicken:** Return beef to the wok, add the cornstarch slurry, and cook until the sauce thickens.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.
**Flavor Profile:** A deep, garlicky, and slightly sweet stir fry with an earthy richness from mushrooms.
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### **Tips for the Perfect Pepper Steak Stir Fry**
1. **Choose the right beef:** Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin work best. Slice against the grain for tenderness.
2. **Marinate for flavor:** Even a short 20-minute marinade helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
3. **Use high heat:** A hot wok ensures a quick sear and prevents soggy vegetables.
4. **Control the thickness:** Cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, so adjust to your preference.
5. **Balance flavors:** Adjust sweetness, saltiness, and spice levels according to taste.
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### **Conclusion**
These three Chinese pepper steak stir fry recipes offer different takes on a beloved classic. The **traditional version** stays true to the original with a rich, savory sauce. The **Sichuan-style** recipe adds spice and complexity with numbing peppercorns, while the **garlic-ginger mushroom variation** brings a deep umami twist.
Further Reading
Practical Container Peppers & Sprouts for Beginners
https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Container-Beginners-Gardening-Techniques-ebook/dp/B0DVCJCSTB/
Yeast Recipes & Cornbread Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Yeast-Recipes-Cornbread-Boxed-Sets-ebook/dp/B0D4WPN9P9/
Phyllo Dough Dessert Recipes & Meatloaf Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Phyllo-Dessert-Breakfast-Recipes-Meatloaf-ebook/dp/B0DMKZF4ZD/
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