This Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is a delightful dish that combines succulent beef strips with the crisp, fresh flavors of green bell pepper and onion, all wrapped up in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar enhances the beef’s natural flavors, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Chinese Onion Pepper Steak recipe for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it can be put together. From start to finish, you’re looking at a dish that can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar creates a deeply savory sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and warmth. These flavors seep into the beef and vegetables, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
- Versatility: This dish offers great flexibility. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking, substitute the beef for another protein like chicken or tofu, or add in additional vegetables to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With lean beef strips and a generous helping of green bell pepper and onion, this dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch. It’s a balanced meal with protein, vitamins, and fiber.
- Comforting Yet Light: While this dish is comforting and satisfying, it doesn’t feel heavy or overly indulgent. It strikes the perfect balance between being filling and remaining a lighter option that won’t weigh you down.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress with its vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors.
Overall, the Chinese Onion Pepper Steak recipe embodies the essence of quick, flavorful, and versatile cooking, making it a beloved choice for anyone looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of beef strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
- 1/2 onion, minced thickly
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups of beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Instructions
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Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A savory and slightly sweet dish, Chinese Onion Pepper Steak combines tender beef strips with crisp green bell peppers and onions in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
- 1/2 onion, minced thickly
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: In a large bowl, season the beef strips with garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced green bell pepper and minced onion. Sauté until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Cook over medium heat until the sauce has thickened to your liking, stirring frequently.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like sliced carrots or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
Keywords: Chinese Cuisine, Beef Recipes, Quick Dinners, Weeknight Meals, Pepper Steak, Soy Sauce, Green Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Healthy Eating, Stir Fry, Main Course, Savory Dishes, Asian Cooking, Easy Recipes, Nutritious Meals, Family Dinners, Beef Stir Fry, Cooking at Home
- Prep the Beef: In a large bowl, season the beef strips with garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced green bell pepper and minced onion. Sauté until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Cook over medium heat until the sauce has thickened to your liking, stirring frequently.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
In the Notes section for the Chinese Onion Pepper Steak recipe, there are several key points and tips to keep in mind to ensure the dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Meat Preparation: For the tenderest results, slice the beef against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes the beef more tender and easier to chew.
- Vegetable Crunch: To keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant, don’t overcook them. Just a few minutes in the pan is enough to soften them slightly while retaining their crunch and color.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce’s thickness can be adjusted according to personal preference. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly. Start with the recipe’s recommended amount, then adjust as needed.
- Variety of Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the dish. Carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms can add texture, color, and additional nutrients.
- Adjusting Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little more brown sugar. For more saltiness, a splash more soy sauce can be added.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is traditionally served over rice, but it can also be served over noodles or even quinoa for a different twist. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much upon cooling.
- Making it Spicier: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or serving with a side of chili oil or Sriracha sauce.
By keeping these notes in mind, you can tailor the Chinese Onion Pepper Steak to fit your taste preferences and ensure a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
What To Serve/Pair With This Recipe
When serving the Chinese Onion Pepper Steak, there are various sides and pairings that can complement the flavors and textures of the dish, turning it into a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, steamed jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully to soak up the savory sauce and balance the richness of the beef.
- Noodles: For a heartier option, serve the pepper steak over a bed of cooked noodles. Consider using udon, soba, or even spaghetti for an interesting twist.
- Vegetable Sides: Brighten up the meal with steamed or stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bok choy, or a mix of stir-fried carrots and snap peas can add color and nutrition.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
- Fried Rice: If you’re looking for something more indulgent, serve the pepper steak with a side of egg fried rice. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables and turn the meal into a feast.
- Spring Rolls or Dumplings: Start the meal with a side of vegetable spring rolls or dumplings for an authentic Asian dining experience.
- Pickled Vegetables: A small side of pickled vegetables, such as cucumber or radish, can add a tangy, crunchy element that cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Soup: Begin the meal with a light soup, such as miso soup or a clear broth with vegetables, to prepare the palate for the main course.
- Beverage Pairings: Serve with green tea for a traditional touch or a light beer to complement the flavors of the dish. For wine lovers, a light red such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as mango pudding or green tea ice cream, to cleanse the palate.
These pairings allow you to tailor the meal to your preferences and the occasion, whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner or hosting a more elaborate gathering.
Recipe FAQs for Chinese Onion Pepper Steak
Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as these proteins cook at different rates.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: To add more heat, you can include a diced hot pepper like a jalapeño or increase the amount of black pepper. Another option is to add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the beef and vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator. Make the sauce and refrigerate it in a separate container. When ready to serve, reheat everything together in a skillet until hot and the sauce has thickened.
Q: Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Q: What can I do if my sauce doesn’t thicken?
A: If your sauce doesn’t thicken, dissolve an additional teaspoon of cornstarch in a little cold water and stir it into the dish while cooking. Heat the mixture until it reaches the desired thickness, stirring constantly.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to add variety and extra nutrition to the dish.
Q: How can I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can this dish be frozen?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked Onion Pepper Steak for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the vegetables.
Q: What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
A: For tender results, use cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye. These cuts cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
Q: Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
A: While soy sauce adds a traditional flavor, you can substitute it with coconut aminos or a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and a little water for a different flavor profile.
These FAQs aim to address common questions and concerns, making it easier for you to enjoy this delicious Chinese Onion Pepper Steak with confidence and creativity.
Conclusion
This Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. It’s a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and slightly sweet. Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a meal for a family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a sauce that ties everything together perfectly.