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Are you ready to unlock the secrets to a delicious and versatile meal that fits right into your busy lifestyle? Welcome to our blog, where today we’re diving into the world of pepper steak stir fry—a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with protein, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal prep routine. With just a few simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your fridge, you can create a mouthwatering stir fry that’s tailored to your taste. Don’t eat beef? No worries—chicken is a fantastic alternative. So grab your chopping board, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on crafting this scrumptious stir fry that promises to impress with its quick preparation and sensational taste.
Ingredients Preparation
The beauty of a pepper steak stir fry lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep staple. Let’s break down each step so you can create this delectable dish at home, optimizing both flavor and nutrition.
Start with your vegetables. Bell peppers are essential for this dish. Choose two—a red and a yellow one—for their vibrant colors and sweetness, but feel free to use any colors you prefer. Stand the peppers upright and carefully slice around the core to avoid scattering seeds. Remove any remaining pith and seeds, then slice them thinly. Typically, thicker slices are used, but thinner slices mean faster cooking, retaining a bit of crunch.
Next, grab two brown or yellow onions. Trim both ends, halve them, and peel away the outer layer. Slice the onions thinly in a half-moon shape. When slicing becomes tricky, lay them flat for stability and continue safely.
Spring onions or scallions add a fresh, bright note. Trim the ends and separate the white roots from the green tops. Cut the roots into 2-3 cm pieces for the stir fry, while the tops can be thinly sliced or cut at an angle to serve as a garnish. Consider adding cilantro or coriander for a fragrant twist—if it’s not your favorite, it can easily be omitted.
If you enjoy a spicy kick, include a long red chili, such as cayenne pepper. Slice it thinly and decide on the heat level you’re comfortable with, or try alternative chilies for more intensity.
Creating the Flavorful Sauce
For the sauce, begin with five cloves of garlic and a 10-gram piece of ginger. Peel the ginger, then grate them both into a smooth paste using a microplane. This paste will infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
The main protein can be traditional beef or alternatively chicken, adding another layer of flavor while potentially reducing costs. Use rump, flank, or ribeye, and freeze for 30 minutes for easier slicing. Cut against the grain into thin strips.
The sauce itself is a mixture of Asian-inspired flavors: combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce if preferred), beef or chicken stock, and the garlic-ginger paste. To thicken the sauce, add corn flour and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk thoroughly, ensuring the corn flour is fully incorporated.
Cooking the Rice
Jasmine rice pairs perfectly with this stir fry. Measure and rinse 300 grams of rice, and combine it with 500 milliliters of cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce to low heat and let simmer for 12 minutes. Leave the lid on for another 4 minutes once the heat is off. If you’re using cilantro, fold it into the rice for extra fragrance and flavor. Once fluffed, set aside until serving time.
Stir Fry Magic
Heat a large pan or wok over high heat and add your choice of oil—peanut or a neutral vegetable oil works well. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring even cooking and preventing steaming. Season with salt sparingly since the soy sauce will enhance saltiness later. Cook until golden and set aside.
Add more oil to the pan for the vegetables. Stir fry the onions and bell peppers, keeping them crisp yet tender. Season them with cracked black pepper and toss frequently. Add spring onions and chili during the last minute of cooking to maintain their texture.
Return the cooked beef to the pan, along with any juices. Pour in the sauce, stirring well to coat all ingredients. Allow the heat to activate the corn flour, thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
For presentation, serve the stir fry alongside the jasmine rice on a plate, garnishing with spring onion slices or cilantro as desired. This dish keeps well, making it an excellent meal prep candidate. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for three months.
When reheating, the saucy nature of the stir fry ensures it remains moist and flavorful. Simply microwave or reheat in a pan, being cautious to not overcook the rice.
With its tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and robust sauce, this pepper steak stir fry is a delightful culinary adventure. Its adaptability to different proteins and vegetables allows you to innovate and tailor it to your taste. Enjoy this fragrant and fulfilling dish that’s as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat.
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