Chinese Pepper Steak With Rice
A flavorful Chinese-inspired pepper steak with tender beef, colorful peppers, and savory rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt Crisco or drippings in a skillet.
- Add beef and brown slowly over a low flame.
- Add minced onion, green peppers, celery, and 1/2 cup water.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch blended with water and soy sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with boiled rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef strips in soy sauce and a bit of cornstarch for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute Crisco with olive oil or butter if preferred. If you want a bit more heat, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For a twist, try adding vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, making it similar to other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pepper steak over a bed of boiled rice for a complete meal. For added texture, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad. You can also enjoy it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a delightful spread, especially if you love beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Pepper Steak With Rice contains roughly 369 calories, with 34g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 739mg per serving (32% 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 cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use flank steak or sirloin for a leaner option. Just remember to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Each cut will offer a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version. You can also use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to enhance the dish while keeping it plant-based.
How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
If you're looking for an alternative to cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or a flour slurry instead. Mix equal parts flour and water, and add it to the sauce while simmering to achieve the desired thickness.
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).