Spicy Pepper Steak
A quick, flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions in a spicy hoisin sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a wok or 12-inch skillet over high heat.
- Add chili oil or vegetable oil; rotate the wok to coat the side.
- Add the cut-up beef; stir fry about 2 minutes or until browned.
- Add bell pepper and onion; stir fry about 1 minute or until vegetables are crisp tender.
- Stir in hoisin sauce; cook and stir about 30 seconds or until hot.
- Serve with hot cooked noodles or rice, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef in hoisin sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a milder dish, use less chili oil or substitute with sesame oil. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added nutrition; browse more Chinese recipes for inspiration. Ensure your wok is hot enough before adding the beef to achieve a good sear.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Pepper Steak is delicious served over hot cooked noodles or rice, which help balance the bold flavors. You can also pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add crunch. For a unique twist, consider serving it in lettuce wraps as a fun appetizer, similar to Chinese tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the beef tender. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish in 30-second intervals, stirring until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Pepper Steak contains roughly 507 calories, with 2g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% 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 beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require more or less time to cook through.
What can I do if I don't have hoisin sauce?
If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of sugar. This will mimic the sweet and savory flavor of hoisin sauce in your stir fry.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes when stir frying. You can also serve the dish with a side of chili sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).