Chinese Pepper Steak is a savory and flavorful dish that features tender ribeye steak cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a delicious sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. This classic Chinese-American recipe is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying and comforting meal that will please the whole family.

Why Make Chinese Pepper Steak

Chinese Pepper Steak is a popular dish known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy tender steak and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying. By making it at home, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal every time.

Ingredients

2 lbs Ribeye steak, thinly sliced into 2-inch long strips
1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 green bell pepper, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 medium white onion, chopped into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp brown sugar
⅓ cup soy sauce
1¼ cups beef broth
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

Cook the steak: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced ribeye steak to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
Combine sauce ingredients: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, black pepper, minced ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, beef broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined.
Add steak and sauce: Add the cooked steak back into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables in the skillet.
Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Serve: Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak hot over steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this classic dish!

Serving Suggestions

Chinese Pepper Steak pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage Info

Store any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving. Note that the sauce may thicken further when refrigerated, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up when reheating.

Tips and Techniques

For best results, use thinly sliced ribeye steak for tenderness and flavor. You can ask your butcher to slice it for you or use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain at home.
Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish based on your preferences. You can add mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and texture.
Adjust the amount of black pepper and ginger to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

FAQs about Chinese Pepper Steak

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin steak, or even skirt steak instead of ribeye steak if preferred. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While Chinese Pepper Steak is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply cook the steak and vegetables and assemble the dish as directed.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free? A: This recipe contains soy sauce, which typically contains gluten. However, you can use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute to make the dish gluten-free. Additionally, make sure to check the labels of other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.