There’s something about the sizzle of a pan when making pepper steak that transports me right back to childhood family dinners—chaotic, but in the best way possible. This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, quick to whip up and bursting with flavors that dance around your taste buds. Last week, I was listening to some old-school tunes, and suddenly, I could smell the aroma of bell peppers and beef filling the kitchen, making the world outside disappear, if only for a moment.
Steps
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and increase the heat to high. Season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook the steak for 5-6 minutes until it is lightly browned.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the steak and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked peppers to the pan with the steak.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Pour this sauce mixture over the steak and peppers in the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it has thickened slightly. Serve the pepper steak stir fry hot, optionally over a bowl of steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1108kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 128g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 340mg | Sodium: 2748mg | Potassium: 2512mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 4160IU | Vitamin C: 247.6mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 11.2mg
FAQ
- What type of steak is best for making pepper steak stir fry?
- For pepper steak stir fry, flank steak is commonly used due to its flavor and availability. However, sirloin or round steak can also be excellent alternatives if you prefer or have easier access to them.
- Is it possible to cook the steak in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
- Yes, cooking the steak in the oven is an option, though you may miss out on the browned crust that comes from pan-searing. Ensure you don’t overcook the steak in the oven to prevent it from becoming dry. Place the steak in an ovenproof dish and bake for up to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Can I use different colors of bell peppers in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe uses red and green bell peppers, you can use any color of bell pepper you prefer. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter than green ones, so feel free to choose based on your taste preference.
- How can I make slicing the steak easier?
- To make slicing easier, place the steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. This partial freezing firms up the meat, allowing you to achieve super thin slices effortlessly.
- Is pepper steak a specific type of meat?
- No, pepper steak is not a specific type of meat. The name refers to the dish itself, which includes steak and peppers. The actual steak used can vary, often including flank, sirloin, or round steak.
Tips
- For easier slicing, partially freeze the flank steak for 20-30 minutes before cutting. This will firm up the meat and help achieve thinner slices.
- Feel free to experiment with different bell pepper colors; red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter than green and can add a different flavor profile to your dish.
- If you prefer using the oven, bake the steak in an ovenproof pan for up to 15 minutes, but be cautious not to overcook it to avoid a tough texture.
- Enhance the flavor by adding additional ingredients like tomatoes or onions if desired, to customize the dish to your taste.
Equipment
- Large Pan or Wok – A large pan or wok is essential for stir-frying the ingredients properly at high heat.
- Sharp Knife or Meat Slicer – A very sharp knife or a meat slicer would be helpful for thinly slicing the flank steak.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board is necessary for preparing the vegetables and meat.
- Small Whisk – A small whisk is useful for mixing the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
