Bernie Arnold'S Chinese Pepper Steak
A savory Chinese Pepper Steak featuring tender beef, crunchy green peppers, bean sprouts, and a flavorful soy sauce glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the round steak as thinly as possible and cut into crosswise pieces.
- In a skillet, heat the shortening over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
- Add the sliced steak to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, sugar, and the cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Add green peppers, tomatoes, and bean sprouts; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a tender cut of round steak and slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can substitute shortening with vegetable oil if preferred. If you want to add extra flavor, consider incorporating a splash of sesame oil or using fresh ginger alongside the garlic. For a healthier twist, swap out the bean sprouts for steamed broccoli or snap peas, which pair well with this dish and fit within many vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pepper steak over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Vegetable Stir-Fry for a colorful plate. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. This dish can also be served as part of a larger spread that includes your favorite Chinese recipes for a family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if necessary, use a lower power setting to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bernie Arnold'S Chinese Pepper Steak contains roughly 460 calories, with 9g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1889mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the round steak with flank steak or even chicken for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is cooked through, especially if using chicken.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent, though it may slightly alter the texture. Mix it with cold water and add it to the sauce in the same way.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil when you add the vegetables. This will amplify the flavor without overpowering the original recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).