Get ready to transform your dinner table with this mouthwatering Chinese-inspired Pepper Steak with Gravy that's so delicious, you'll want to skip the takeout and become a home cooking hero! In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that's packed with tender, juicy steak, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is your ticket to an impressive and incredibly satisfying meal that's sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thin
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the steak by slicing the flank steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. This ensures tender meat that will cook quickly.
- In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch to create a marinade. Add sliced steak to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil and allow it to become hot but not smoking.
- Add marinated steak to the hot skillet, spreading pieces in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is browned and mostly cooked through. Remove steak and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Return cooked steak to the skillet with vegetables. Pour beef broth into the pan, stirring to combine and create gravy.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing gravy to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, preferably over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Slice Against the Grain: Always cut your flank steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak, make sure to spread the meat in a single layer. This ensures proper browning and prevents steaming.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the steak and create those delicious caramelized edges.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the steak sit in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Keep Vegetables Crisp: Sauté your peppers and onions just until they're slightly softened to maintain a pleasant crunch.
- Customize Your Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce while simmering.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 233kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
