Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is a flavorful and savory dish that combines tender beef strips with vibrant bell peppers and onions, infused with aromatic spices and sauces. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of beef strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
- 1/2 onion, minced thickly
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups of beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Directions:
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- Begin by placing the beef strips, sliced green bell peppers, and minced onions into the electric pressure cooker.
- Add garlic powder, ground ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, and brown sugar to the beef and peppers, ensuring even distribution of the seasonings.
- Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Secure the lid of the pressure cooker, making sure it is closed properly. Set the pressure to high and cook for approximately 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure, or opt for a natural release if preferred.
- Remove the lid and press the Cancel button on the pressure cooker. Switch the cooker to sauté mode.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of cold water with a tablespoon of cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pepper steak mixture in the Instant Pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef strips in the soy sauce mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or increase the brown sugar for sweetness.
- Serve the Chinese Onion Pepper Steak hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
With its tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and savory onion flavors, Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine to your table. Quick to prepare and bursting with savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy the rich and aromatic taste of this homemade Chinese-inspired dish!
- Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for beef strips, you can use various cuts of beef such as flank steak, sirloin, or even ribeye. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Marinating the beef beforehand can also enhance its flavor and tenderness.
- What can I substitute for cornstarch if I don’t have any on hand?
- If you don’t have cornstarch available, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or potato starch in equal amounts. These alternatives work similarly to cornstarch and will help thicken the sauce. However, keep in mind that the consistency and flavor might vary slightly with different starches.
- Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
- Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish by substituting the beef with tofu, seitan, or your favorite meat alternative. Simply cut the tofu or seitan into strips similar to the beef and follow the same cooking instructions. For a vegan-friendly option, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
- Yes, feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables. Sliced carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn would all make delicious additions to this dish. Just keep in mind the cooking time required for each vegetable and add them accordingly to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness. Additionally, adjusting the seasonings to complement the added vegetables can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?
- While the pressure cooker method offers convenience and saves time, you can still make this recipe on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. To cook on the stovetop, simply follow the same steps but use a large skillet or sauté pan instead of a pressure cooker. Allow the ingredients to simmer over medium heat until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking, stirring occasionally. For a slow cooker version, combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
- How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm gently on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, you can add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. Additionally, you can freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
- Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier pepper steak, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced chili peppers to the dish. Alternatively, you can adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preferences. Remember, it’s always easier to add more spice later on, so start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
- Is it necessary to marinate the beef before cooking?
- While it’s not necessary, marinating the beef strips in the soy sauce mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. The marinade helps infuse the beef with the flavors of the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings, resulting in a more flavorful dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and still achieve delicious results with this recipe.