Chinese Pepper Steak

Ingredients:
1 pound beef top sirloin steak
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges

Directions:
Slice the steak into ½ inch thick slices across the grain. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and ginger until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Place the steak slices into the marinade and stir until well-coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak strips in batches in the hot oil so as not to crowd the pan. Cook and stir until well-browned, about 3 minutes. Remove the steak from the wok to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining steak, adding more oil as needed, and set the cooked meat aside. Return the cooked steak strips to the hot wok and stir in the onion. Toss the steak and onion together until the onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Then, stir in the green pepper. Cook and stir the mixture until the peppers have turned bright green and started to become tender, about 2 minutes more. Add the tomato wedges to the wok and stir everything together to mix and blend flavors. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak hot and enjoy!

Tips and FAQs:
Here are some tips an tricks to enhance your Chinese Pepper Steak and make it even more delightful:
– Use High-Quality Beef: Opt for high-quality beef like top sirloin or flank steak for tender and flavorful results. Slicing the beef against the grain ensures tenderness.
– Marinate Longer: Allow the beef to marinate in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
– Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding minced garlic and grated ginger to the marinade or stir-fry. These aromatics add depth and complexity to the dish.
– Variety of Bell Peppers: Experiment with different colors of bell peppers, such as red, yellow, and orange, to add visual appeal and a variety of flavors to the dish.
– Include Mushrooms: Adding sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry adds an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish. Shiitake or cremini mushrooms work well in Chinese Pepper Steak.
– Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, a dash of sesame oil for aroma, or a sprinkle of sugar for balance.
– Garnish with Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions make a vibrant and flavorful garnish for Chinese Pepper Steak. Sprinkle them over the dish just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
– Serve with Rice or Noodles: Chinese Pepper Steak pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. Consider serving it with fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
– Add Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding sliced chili peppers or chili flakes to the stir-fry for an extra kick of heat.
– Finish with Sesame Seeds: For an elegant touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish. They add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that complements the tender beef and vegetables.

Q: What cut of beef is best for Chinese Pepper Steak?
A: The best cut of beef for Chinese Pepper Steak is usually top sirloin steak. It’s tender and flavorful, making it perfect for stir-frying.
Q: Can I use other vegetables in Chinese Pepper Steak?
A: Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your preference. Common additions include mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
Q: What is the purpose of marinating the beef in Chinese Pepper Steak?
A: Marinating the beef helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. The soy sauce-based marinade adds a salty-sweet flavor profile to the dish.
Q: Is Chinese Pepper Steak spicy?
A: Chinese Pepper Steak is not typically spicy. The “pepper” in the name refers to the use of bell peppers in the dish, rather than spicy heat. However, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding chili flakes or other hot peppers if desired.
Q: Can I make Chinese Pepper Steak ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together in a hot wok or skillet.
Q: What should I serve with Chinese Pepper Steak?
A: Chinese Pepper Steak pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Q: How long does Chinese Pepper Steak last in the refrigerator?
A: Chinese Pepper Steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

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