Lo-Cal Pepper Steak
A flavorful, low-calorie pepper steak featuring tender beef, fresh green peppers, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty yet light meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sliver the chuck steak into 2 x 1/4-inch pieces and soak in soy sauce, even overnight if desired.
- In a skillet, sauté the onion and green peppers in oil until tender.
- Add the marinated meat to the skillet and brown it.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Let the mixture simmer for 1 hour.
- Make a paste with cornstarch and water, then add it to the skillet.
- Let the dish simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Serve the pepper steak over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner option, you can substitute chuck steak with flank steak or sirloin. If you want a bit more flavor, try marinating the meat in the soy sauce for a few hours or overnight. To thicken the sauce without cornstarch, you could use arrowroot powder. For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Consider pairing it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. It also complements well with other Asian-inspired dishes, so feel free to browse more Chinese recipes for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Pepper Steak contains roughly 1104 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1631mg per serving (71% 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 chuck steak with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will cook faster and tofu needs to be pressed to remove excess moisture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, include sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who like extra spice.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pepper steak a day ahead. Just follow the cooking instructions, let it cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened.
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).