Spice Up Your Life: Quick and Easy Tips for Making the Best Chinese Pepper Steak and Onions
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Chinese cuisine with this comprehensive guide on how to make pepper steak and onions that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Equipment:
- Wok or large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
- Cut the flank steak against the grain into thin slices.
- In a bowl, combine the steak slices, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into thin strips.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cornstarch.
4. Heat the Wok:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
5. Stir-Fry the Steak:
- Drain the steak slices from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Add the steak slices to the hot oil and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the wok and set aside.
6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until softened but still slightly crisp.
7. Combine the Ingredients:
- Return the steak slices to the wok.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Chinese pepper steak and onions immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips:
- For a more tender steak, marinate it overnight.
- Use a high-heat wok or skillet to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Do not overcook the vegetables, as they should still have a slight crunch.
- Add other vegetables to your liking, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or your favorite noodles.
Variations:
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Sour Pepper Steak: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks and 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce to the sauce for a sweet and sour flavor.
- Sesame Pepper Steak: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the finished dish for an extra nutty flavor.
How to Choose the Perfect Steak
When selecting flank steak for Chinese pepper steak, look for the following characteristics:
- Color: Bright red to deep burgundy
- Texture: Firm and slightly chewy
- Marbling: Look for steaks with moderate marbling for added flavor and tenderness
Top Questions Asked
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, you can use other cuts of steak, such as sirloin or ribeye, but flank steak is the traditional choice for Chinese pepper steak.
2. How long can I marinate the steak?
You can marinate the steak for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum tenderness.
3. What can I serve with Chinese pepper steak?
Chinese pepper steak is typically served over rice or noodles. It also pairs well with stir-fried vegetables or a side salad.
4. How do I store leftover Chinese pepper steak?
Store leftover Chinese pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
5. Can I make Chinese pepper steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chinese pepper steak ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.