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A classic Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender sirloin steak strips combined with crisp bell peppers and onions. The rich sauce, enhanced with fresh ginger and garlic, transforms these simple ingredients into a delicious meal that fills the kitchen with appetizing aromas. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results while being quick enough for weeknight cooking.
The key to success with this recipe is allowing the meat to rest briefly after cooking, ensuring each bite remains tender and flavorful.
Key Ingredients
- Sirloin Steak: Select marbled cuts with bright red coloring. Request against-grain cutting from your butcher or slice slightly frozen for best results
- Bell Peppers: Use a combination of colors for visual appeal and flavor variety. Choose firm peppers without blemishes
- Fresh Ginger: Look for firm pieces with smooth skin for maximum flavor impact
- Oyster Sauce: Premium brands deliver superior flavor depth
- Cornstarch: Critical for achieving authentic sauce consistency
Cooking Method
- Sauce Preparation:
- Combine chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce and cornstarch until smooth.
- Meat Preparation:
- Thoroughly dry beef, season with salt and pepper. Rest 10 minutes before cooking.
- Cooking Process:
- Heat wok until smoking. Add oil, sear meat in single layer until browned. Remove and reserve.
- Vegetable Cooking:
- Stir-fry peppers and onions until edges char slightly. Add aromatics last.
- Final Steps:
- Add sauce around wok edges. Cook until thickened. Return beef and combine thoroughly.
Technique Essentials
Successful pepper steak requires properly timed cooking of each component. The meat should be tender, vegetables crisp-tender, and sauce perfectly thickened to coat ingredients.
Marinade Method
A quick marinade using soy sauce and cornstarch significantly improves meat texture through a technique called velveting.
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Equipment Considerations
A carbon steel wok and sharp knife are essential tools for achieving professional results. The wok's heat distribution creates authentic flavor while proper knife work ensures even cooking.
Heat Management
Start with high heat for meat searing, then adjust temperature for vegetables. Add aromatics last to preserve their flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve traditionally over rice or try fusion variations like tacos or low-carb presentations with cauliflower rice. Add crispy toppings for texture contrast.
Recipe Variations
Consider these additions to customize the dish:
- Various mushroom types
- Baby corn
- Sugar snap peas
Common Solutions
Adjust sauce thickness with additional stock or cornstarch slurry as needed. Balance overseasoning by adding extra vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits
Provides complete protein, vitamin C, iron, and anti-inflammatory compounds. The cooking method preserves nutritional value while developing rich flavors.
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This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients combine to create an impressive dish. Focus on timing and technique to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Recipe Tips & Help
- → What’s the best beef to use for stir-fry?
- Sirloin tips work great, but flank steak, ribeye, or top round are also good picks. Always slice against the grain for the most tender meat.
- → Can I prep this recipe in advance?
- Totally! You can chop the veggies and mix the sauce up to a day ahead. Just keep everything in the fridge and cook the beef fresh before serving for the best results.
- → Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
- Yep, just use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free too. Regular soy sauce usually includes wheat.
- → What side dishes go well with this stir-fry?
- Rice is classic, but you could try noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Steamed greens like broccoli are also a nice pairing.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
- Sure can! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Keep in mind, the veggies might lose some crunch after reheating, but it’ll still taste amazing.