Background and History
Beef pepper steak, a classic dish in many cuisines around the world, has its roots in Chinese cuisine. It’s a delightful combination of tender beef slices, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce infused with the bold flavor of black pepper. This dish has evolved over time and has been adapted in various ways by different cultures, making it a versatile and beloved choice for home cooks and restaurant menus alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef steak, thinly sliced (such as sirloin or flank steak)
- 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth or water
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef slices to the skillet and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked beef slices to the skillet. Stir in the beef broth (or water) and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste preference for spiciness.
- For a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.
Allergy Warning
- This recipe contains soy and shellfish (oyster sauce). Ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten allergy.
What is pepper steak sauce made of?
Pepper steak sauce typically consists of a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and black pepper. These ingredients create a flavorful and savory sauce that complements the beef and vegetables in the dish.
What cut of beef is best for pepper steak?
For pepper steak, it’s best to use tender cuts of beef that are suitable for quick cooking methods, such as sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin. These cuts are flavorful and tender, making them ideal for stir-frying.
Why is pepper steak so tender?
Pepper steak is often tender because it’s made with thinly sliced beef that is quickly cooked over high heat. Additionally, marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
How to make tender beef steak at home?
To make tender beef steak at home, you can use several methods such as marinating the meat in acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, pounding the steak to break down the muscle fibers, cooking it low and slow, or using a meat tenderizer tool to physically break up the tough fibers.
What are the 4 ways to tenderize beef?
The four main ways to tenderize beef are through marinating, pounding, cooking low and slow, and using a meat tenderizer tool. Marinating helps to break down tough muscle fibers, pounding physically breaks up the fibers, cooking low and slow allows connective tissue to break down, and using a meat tenderizer mechanically tenderizes the meat.
What is the fastest way to tenderize beef?
The fastest way to tenderize beef is by using a meat tenderizer tool, such as a meat mallet or a jacquard-style tenderizer. These tools physically break up the tough muscle fibers in the meat, making it more tender in a short amount of time.
How do you make beef so soft and tender?
To make beef soft and tender, you can use methods such as marinating the meat in acidic ingredients, cooking it low and slow, slicing it thinly against the grain, or using a meat tenderizer tool to physically break up the tough fibers.
How to make beef steak soft?
To make beef steak soft, you can tenderize the meat by marinating it in a mixture of acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice, slicing it thinly against the grain, or using a meat tenderizer tool to physically break up the tough muscle fibers.
What is the secret ingredient to tenderize meat? One secret ingredient to tenderize meat is kiwi fruit. Kiwi contains an enzyme called actinidin, which helps to break down tough muscle fibers in meat, making it more tender. Simply puree the kiwi fruit and use it as a marinade for the meat.
How do restaurants make their steaks so tender?
Restaurants often make their steaks tender by using high-quality cuts of meat, properly aging the beef to allow enzymes to naturally tenderize the meat, and cooking it to the desired level of doneness using precise temperature control methods such as sous vide cooking. Additionally, some restaurants may use commercial meat tenderizers or marinades to further enhance tenderness and flavor
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