Beef and pepper stir-fry, a classic dish found in many cultures, offers a delicious combination of tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce that will have your taste buds singing. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and with a few simple tips, you’ll be able to whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in no time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to impress your family with your stir-frying skills!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Beef: You can substitute flank steak with other tender cuts like sirloin or skirt steak. For a different flavor profile, try chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Bell Peppers: Feel free to use a variety of colors for visual appeal. Yellow, orange, or even purple bell peppers work well.
- Oyster Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of hoisin sauce and soy sauce.
Equipment:
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
Instructions:
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Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
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Stir-Fry Time: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Sizzle and Sear: Push the onions and garlic to the sides of the wok, creating a well in the center. Add the marinated beef to the hot well and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned.
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Veggies Join the Party: Add the sliced bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.
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Bring it all Together: Combine the beef, vegetables, and any remaining marinade in the wok. Stir-fry for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
Tips and Tricks:
- Slicing is Key: Slice your beef and vegetables thinly and uniformly for even cooking and a pleasing texture.
- High Heat is Essential: Using high heat ensures your ingredients cook quickly and evenly, resulting in tender beef and crisp-tender vegetables.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause your ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry. Cook in batches if needed.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your stir-fry before serving and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add a pinch of salt, a dash of soy sauce, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Plating and Presentation:
For an elegant presentation, serve your beef and pepper stir-fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
“A well-seasoned wok is a cook’s best friend,” says Chef Lin, a renowned culinary expert specializing in Asian cuisine. “It adds a unique depth of flavor to stir-fried dishes.”
Beef and Pepper Stir-fry Close-Up
Slicing Ingredients for Beef and Pepper Stir-fry
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the art of making a delicious and satisfying beef and pepper stir-fry. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight meal to a special weekend treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature stir-fry.
What are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and start stir-frying! Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with us in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more delicious stir-fry recipes, check out our guide on How to Make Stir-Fried Pork with Green Peppers. Happy cooking!
