Pepper Steak
Ingredients
Meat Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon EACH: garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder
1/4 teaspoon EACH: salt, pepper
Sauce
3 Tablespoons cornstarch, + 3 tbsp. cold water
1 cup beef broth
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce, low sodium
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon hot sauce
¼ tsp ground ginger
Stir Fry
1 ¼ lb. strip steak, or flank steak or top sirloin
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup dry white wine, see notes
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
3 cups cooked rice, for serving.
Instructions
Prep Work
Combine cornstarch + 3 Tablespoons water in a covered container and shake to combine. Set aside in a cool place.
Combine remaining sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
Measure out remaining ingredients prior to beginning.
Prepare the steak:
Place saran wrap over the steak and use a meat tenderizer to pound it flatter on each side.
This makes a huge difference as it becomes much more tender.
Cut away any large areas of fat and set it aside.
Pro Tip: Consider frying the fat in the pan with the peppers for even more flavor, then you can use kitchen tongs to remove and discard.
Slice the meat into thin strips (against the grain), the meat will plump up more when cooked. (You can also pound thicker slices flatter once they’ve been cut.)
Pat completely dry, sprinkle with meat seasoning, and toss to coat
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the meat in batches for 3-4 minutes, (overcrowding the pan will cause the steak to steam instead of fry).
Set aside and let it rest.
Make the Stir Fry:
Add white wine to the skillet over medium heat and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the skillet over medium heat.
Let the liquid simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 minutes.
Add the bell peppers and onions and sauté for about 3 minutes.
Add the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil.
Let it simmer/reduce for 2-3 minutes
Take the cornstarch mixture and give it a shake.
Slowly stir it into the bubbling sauce.
Let it continue to bubble gently until desired thickness is obtained.
Reduce heat to low.
Add the cooked steak back to the sauce and allow it to heat through.
Serve with rice.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 650 kcal | Total Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 1700mg | Total Carbohydrates: 64g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 16g | Protein: 36g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can. While the recipe suggests strip steak, flank steak, or top sirloin, you can use your preferred cut of beef.
Just keep in mind that different cuts may have varying levels of tenderness and fat content.
Is it necessary to use dry white wine in this recipe?
The dry white wine adds depth of flavor to the dish, but it’s not essential.
If you prefer not to use wine or don’t have any on hand, you can omit it or replace it with additional broth for a similar result.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?
Absolutely. The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your taste.
The recipe includes hot sauce, but you can increase or decrease the amount to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
What can I serve with Pepper Steak besides rice?
While the recipe suggests serving with rice, you can also pair it with other options like noodles, quinoa, or even steamed vegetables if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness?
Steak is typically cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
In this recipe, the meat is seared for 3-4 minutes, which will result in medium-rare to medium doneness.
Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for rare or well-done steak.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of steak?
While the recipe calls for strip steak, flank steak, or top sirloin, you can substitute with other cuts of beef, such as sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein.
What can I use as a substitute for dry white wine?
If you don’t have dry white wine, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute in this recipe.
The wine adds flavor, but broth will work well to deglaze the pan and add moisture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the meat with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
Also, replace the beef and chicken broths with vegetable broth, and use a vegan honey alternative.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce?
Absolutely! The recipe includes hot sauce, which you can adjust to control the spiciness.
Add more for extra heat or reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor.
What are some side dishes that pair well with Pepper Steak?
Besides serving with rice, this dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a side salad.
You can customize your sides based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions.