Savory Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Craving a quick and flavorful meal that’s better than takeout? Look no further than this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Meal! Juicy strips of beef tossed in a peppery sauce with crisp bell peppers and onions come together in less than fifteen minutes, making it the ultimate go-to for busy weeknights or whenever that Chinese-American craving strikes.

The star of this dish is the crushed black peppercorns, giving it a grown-up kick that will surprise and delight your taste buds. I still remember the look of satisfaction on my family’s faces the first time I served this dish—it has since become a regular favorite at our dinner table, and it’s not hard to see why!

For a versatile twist, swap out the beef for chicken or tofu, and don’t worry if you’re missing shaoxing wine—dry sherry or even a touch of apple juice will do the trick. Whether served over jasmine rice or noodles, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Meal promises comfort and bold flavors in every bite. Give it a try once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy preparation – ready in less than fifteen minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners
• Bold and flavorful dish with a grownup kick from crushed peppercorns
• Versatile – can be made with different proteins such as chicken or tofu and customized with different types of peppers
• Reheats well and stores easily for leftovers

Why You’ll Love This Savory Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than fifteen minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without the wait.
• Bold Flavors: The glossy peppered sauce, combined with the crunch of bell peppers and onions, creates a dish bursting with bold flavors that will excite your taste buds.
• Family Favorite: Once you try this recipe, it will become a regular feature on your family’s dinner table. The fast preparation time and delicious taste make it a go-to meal option.
• Secret Ingredient: Crushed peppercorns add a grown-up kick to the dish, surprising and delighting both kids and adults with just the right amount of tingling spice.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping beef with chicken or tofu for a lighter version, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.
• Leftovers Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated easily. Simply heat it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the flavors.
• Cultural Fusion: Inspired by Cantonese stir-fry techniques but tailored for American tastes, this dish offers a unique fusion of flavors that combines comfort and excitement in every bite.
• Tender Beef: Coating the beef with cornstarch and flash-cooking it over high heat ensures the meat stays juicy and tender, providing a satisfying texture in every bite.
• Visual Appeal: You can use any color of bell pepper to add visual appeal and sweetness to the dish, or add spicy peppers if you prefer a bit of heat.
• Variety in Serving: Whether served over jasmine rice or noodles, this dish pairs well with different bases, allowing you to enjoy it with your preferred staple.
• Adaptable Ingredients: If you don’t have shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a splash of broth can be used as substitutes, making the recipe flexible and accessible for various cooking situations.

Ingredients for Savory Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Protein

• 225 g stir-fry beef, sliced

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine

Aromatics

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 1/2 onion, cut into 1.25 cm squares
• 1/2 bell pepper, cut into 1.25 cm squares

Other

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Pro Tips for Savory Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

To make the best pepper steak stir fry, opt for thin-sliced stir-fry beef like flank or sirloin for tender and flavorful results. Coating the beef with cornstarch before cooking and flash-cooking over high heat will help keep it juicy and tender, so don’t skip this step. When it comes to the bell pepper, feel free to use any color for both visual appeal and a touch of sweetness, or if you prefer some heat, consider adding spicy peppers to the mix. If you don’t have shaoxing wine on hand, you can easily substitute it with dry sherry or a splash of broth for added depth and flavor.

Leftovers of this delicious pepper steak stir fry can be refrigerated promptly in a sealed container. For reheating, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat; adding a splash of water or broth will help loosen the sauce. Consider trying different variations of this dish by swapping out the beef for chicken thigh strips or tofu for a lighter option. Serve your pepper steak over jasmine rice for a classic pairing, or spoon it onto noodles for a heartier meal. Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions for an extra touch of freshness.

How to Make Savory Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Beef

Combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, brown sugar, crushed black peppercorns, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Add sliced beef and mix well. Sprinkle in cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Sear Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook marinated beef until browned on both sides, about 1 minute per side.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables

Add bell pepper and onion to the skillet with any remaining marinade. Sauté until vegetables are slightly softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the dish to a serving platter and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with steamed rice on the side.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your delicious Pepper Steak Stir Fry Meal, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Place the remaining dish into a sealed container and promptly refrigerate it. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

For those looking to switch things up, you can easily substitute the beef with chicken thigh strips or tofu for a lighter alternative. If you don’t have shaoxing wine on hand, feel free to use dry sherry or even a splash of apple juice for a touch of sweetness. This versatile dish can be served over jasmine rice for a classic pairing, or try spooning it over noodles for a heartier meal. Enhance the presentation and freshness by topping it off with toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions.

Pepper steak is a comforting and flavorful dish that offers excitement in every bite. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Remember to store any leftovers properly, and enjoy the convenience of reheating this dish for another delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a vegetarian option or want to lighten the dish, you can replace the stir-fry beef with chicken thigh strips or tofu. Both options will absorb the flavorful sauce well and provide a satisfying protein element to the dish.

If you don’t have shaoxing wine on hand, you can substitute it with dry sherry or even a splash of apple juice for a touch of sweetness. These alternatives will still add depth to the sauce and complement the other flavors in the dish.

Feel free to customize the dish by using any color of bell pepper you have available or even adding spicy peppers if you enjoy some heat. Different colored bell peppers not only add visual appeal but also vary slightly in sweetness, while spicy peppers can kick up the heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their stir-fry.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, consider setting up a DIY pepper steak stir fry bar for a casual gathering with friends or family. Prepare bowls of cooked jasmine rice, noodles, and a variety of toppings like toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and extra crushed peppercorns. Let everyone customize their own bowl of pepper steak stir fry with their preferred mix of ingredients for a personalized and flavorful meal experience.

To add a twist to the classic presentation, serve the pepper steak stir fry in individual lettuce cups for a light and refreshing option. Simply scoop a spoonful of the savory stir fry mixture into a large lettuce leaf and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. The crisp lettuce provides a contrast in texture to the tender beef and peppers, creating a delightful bite-sized wrap that is perfect for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative.

FAQs for Savory Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken thigh strips or tofu for a lighter version of this pepper steak stir fry meal.

What can I use as a substitute for shaoxing wine in this recipe?

If you do not have shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or even a splash of apple juice for a hint of sweetness as a substitute.

How should I store and reheat leftovers of this pepper steak stir fry meal?

Store any leftovers promptly in a sealed container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over medium heat and splash in a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Why is it recommended to use thin-sliced stir-fry beef for this recipe?

Thin-sliced stir-fry beef, such as flank or sirloin, is recommended for tender and flavorful results in this pepper steak stir fry meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Meal is a delightful combination of bold flavors and quick preparation that is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation. The aromatic blend of crushed peppercorns, garlic, and savory sauces creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting, perfect for satisfying those Chinese-American takeout cravings at home.

Remember, you can easily customize this recipe by swapping out the protein or adjusting the level of heat to suit your preferences. Whether served over fluffy jasmine rice or hearty noodles, this dish is versatile and delicious. So, next time you’re in need of a flavorful and satisfying meal in a hurry, turn to this Pepper Steak Stir Fry Meal for a taste of homemade takeout magic. Enjoy!