Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that takes your taste buds on a tantalizing journey? Welcome to our blog, where we dive into the delicious world of pepper steak stir fry—a dish packed with flavor, protein, and endless possibilities for customization. Here, cooking is more than just a necessity; it’s a creative outlet that allows you to experiment with ingredients you already have in your fridge. Whether you’re sticking to classic beef or opting for a lighter chicken version, this dish promises simplicity without compromising taste. Join us as we explore each step of crafting the perfect pepper steak stir fry, from selecting the freshest bell peppers to achieving the ideal balance of savory, spicy, and sweet in your sauce. Let’s fire up the stove and discover how to transform everyday ingredients into a sumptuous meal that’s sure to impress!
Preparation
To get started on our pepper steak stir fry, you’ll need two key ingredients: bell peppers and onions. These vegetables add vibrant color and a layer of sweetness to the dish. Choose two bell peppers—one red, one yellow, or any combination that appeals to you. Standing them upright while slicing keeps seeds from scattering everywhere. Remove the pith and any leftover seeds before slicing them thinly for quick cooking.
As you prep the onions, peel off the outer layers and slice them into thin half-moon shapes. Hold the onion flat on the cutting board to ensure safe and even cuts. The sweetness of the onions balances the flavor of the bell peppers and adds depth to the stir fry.
A staple in many stir fry recipes, spring onions or scallions give both visual appeal and an aromatic punch. Separate the roots from the stems and cut them into segments and rounds. These not only blend well during cooking but also serve as an elegant garnish at the end.
Optional extras like coriander, cilantro, or a long red chili pepper, also known as cayenne, can be added for further customization. If coriander is your choice, chop it finely and add it to the rice for a fragrant twist. The chili can be sliced thinly to add a bit of spice without overwhelming the dish.
Sauce and Protein
The sauce brings all the components of the stir fry together. Begin by creating a paste from five cloves of garlic and 10 grams of ginger. Run them on a microplane for a smooth, aromatic paste. Mix this with soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, beef or chicken stock, and cornflour to thicken the mixture. Cracked black pepper, in this instance, adds a unique depth compared to ground white pepper.
For the protein, we recommend beef, but chicken works just as well. Beef rump is a great option, but flank, skirt, or ribeye steak also work. Firming up the meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes allows you to slice it thinly and safely across the grain.
Rice Preparation
Now, prepare the rice, an essential companion to your stir fry. Wash 300 grams of jasmine rice and add it to a saucepan with 500 milliliters of cold water. Let it boil before covering and cooking on low heat for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit undisturbed for another four minutes. If using coriander, stir it into the fluffed rice before setting it aside.
Cooking Process
For the cooking process, heat a large pan or wok over high heat, adding a tablespoon of neutral oil. Sear the beef (or chicken) in batches to ensure each piece browns nicely. Lightly salt and pepper the meat, keeping in mind that soy sauce will contribute additional saltiness later.
Once the protein is cooked, add more oil and throw in the onions and bell peppers. Cook these until they brown and soften, adding cracked black pepper for seasoning. After around five minutes, when the vegetables are sufficiently tender, add scallions and optional chili. Stir fry the mixture for an additional minute.
Return the beef to the pan along with its juices, allowing the flavors to meld. Pour the pre-whisked sauce evenly over the contents. Mix thoroughly until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, place a portion of rice on one side of the plate and the stir fry on the other. Garnish with the scallion rounds, fresh coriander, or even sesame seeds for extra flair.
Conclusion
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can spare more time for preparation and make it your own by using what’s in your kitchen—whether that means switching out the protein, trying different vegetables, or adjusting the spice level. Once assembled, this meal can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or in a freezer for up to three months.
When it comes time to savor your creation, you’ll find that the stir fry’s harmonious blend of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and aromatic sauce creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re just craving something deeply satisfying. So dig in and enjoy this exploration of flavor and texture, and remember—cooking is all about innovation and pleasure, so celebrate your culinary journey with each bite!
