If you are in search of a dish that combines simplicity, versatility, and a burst of flavor, look no further than the pepper steak stir fry. This delightful dish not only packs a punch in terms of taste but is also brimming with protein and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re craving a satisfying beef dish or leaning toward a lighter chicken option, this stir fry allows you the creative freedom to utilize the ingredients you have on hand.
Let’s delve into the detailed steps and tips for making the perfect pepper steak stir fry.
Ingredient Preparation
The key to a successful stir fry lies in the preparation of all the ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process and an impeccable blend of flavors in your dish. Here’s what you need:
Start by selecting two bell peppers—one red and one yellow. You can choose any color you prefer. Stand each bell pepper upright and slice around the core to prevent the seeds from scattering. Clean and thinly slice the peppers. Although thicker slices are traditional, thinner slices ensure quicker cooking.
Next, grab two brown or yellow onions. Remove both ends, cut each onion in half, peel, and slice them thinly. For ease and safety, lay the onion flat as you progress with slicing.
You’ll also need four spring onions or scallions. Trim both ends, separate the roots from the stems, and cut the roots into 1-inch pieces. These will add another layer of crunch to the stir fry. The stems should be thinly sliced for garnish.
Coriander or cilantro is optional, but it adds fragrance to the dish when included in the rice. Simply scrunch it up, chop finely, and wash it if needed.
If you’re in the mood for a bit of heat, consider adding one long red chili (cayenne pepper). Slice it thinly, and feel free to use a hotter variant if you prefer.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is what ties the stir fry together. You’ll need:
- Five cloves of garlic and 10g of ginger, both peeled and processed into a smooth paste using a microplane.
- 800g (1.7 lbs) of beef, or chicken if preferred. Rump is recommended, though flank, ribeye, or any cut of choice works too. Slightly freeze the meat for easier slicing.
- 80ml of light soy sauce, 40ml of oyster sauce (or hoisin), 60ml of beef or chicken stock.
- 1 tablespoon of corn flour to thicken the sauce.
- 15 cracks of black pepper, adding a depth of flavor.
Mix these ingredients in a bowl, ensuring the corn flour doesn’t clump. This mixture will become the heart of the stir fry, infusing every bite with rich flavor.
Cooking the Rice and Stir Fry
For the rice, use 300g of washed jasmine rice mixed with 500ml of cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 12 minutes, undisturbed. Turn off the heat, leave for 4 more minutes, and then fluff it with a fork. If using coriander, stir it in at this stage.
For the stir fry itself, heat a wok or large pan on high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut or vegetable oil and cook the sliced steak in batches, seasoning with a bit of salt and black pepper. Cook each batch until no longer pink, about 2 to 2.5 minutes.
Set the meat aside, and in the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, spreading them out. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the spring onions and chili, cooking for a further minute.
Reintroduce the steak into the pan, along with any juices. Quickly whisk and add the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Lower the heat and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Portioning and Storage
Once cooking is complete, serve the stir fry alongside your prepared rice, garnishing with spring onion stems or coriander. This dish lasts for up to three days when stored in the fridge, or up to three months in the freezer. Ensure they’re completely cooled before sealing and storing.
For reheating, the stir fry can be gently warmed in the microwave or on the stove, maintaining its flavor and texture.
By following these steps, not only will you have a delicious meal ready in no time, but also a dish that brings an array of flavors, colors, and textures to your table. This pepper steak stir fry is a testament to how versatile and uncomplicated meal prep can enrich your weekly menu. Whether you’re seeking convenience or culinary adventure, this recipe has you covered.
