Pepper Steak(Chinese)
A flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak with tender beef, vibrant peppers, and a savory sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. beef, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diagonally sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. molasses ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. hot red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cold water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat salad oil.
- Add beef and cook over high heat, stirring frequently until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add green pepper, scallions, and celery. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat; stir in molasses, soy sauce, lemon juice, hot red pepper sauce, salt, and ginger.
- Blend cold water and cornstarch; quickly stir into beef mixture.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve with hot fluffy rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender beef, consider marinating it in soy sauce and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. If you can't find molasses, honey or brown sugar can serve as sweeteners. To add more flavor, try incorporating garlic or bell peppers in various colors. For those looking for a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot red pepper sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pepper steak is best served over hot fluffy rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish also complements other Asian-inspired sides, such as Sweet And Spicy Fried Rice, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, stirring until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepper Steak(Chinese) contains roughly 405 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken and pork may cook faster than beef. Make sure to slice the meat thinly for even cooking.
What can I serve with pepper steak?
Pepper steak pairs well with steamed rice, but for a twist, try it with fried rice or noodles. Additionally, adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad can balance the meal, providing freshness alongside the richness of the dish.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Stir this mixture into the sauce while it's simmering, and it will thicken up quickly. Remember to add it gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
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).