Spicy Pepper Steak

Spicy Pepper Steak Recipe

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Pepper Steak is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of beef with a medley of vegetables and a spicy kick. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.

History

The origins of Spicy Pepper Steak can be traced back to Chinese cuisine, where stir-frying meat and vegetables together is a common cooking technique. Over time, this dish has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and seasonings to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean beef, cut into thin strips
2 cups of carrots, sliced into diagonal strips
1 to 2 green peppers, sliced into strips
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
0.25 cup of soy sauce
2 tbsp of crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp of sugar
A pinch of salt and pepper

How to prepare

Combine the ingredients in a frying pan (no oil required).
Cook the mixture over medium heat and keep it covered.
Stir occasionally.
Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
Note: If you prefer the green peppers to be crispier than the carrots, add them in a little later.
Serve the mixture over rice (it also makes a great fajita).

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add other vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas for variety.
Use different seasonings such as ginger, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the beef into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and garlic before cooking.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying to achieve a nice sear on the beef.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Pepper Steak over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Tamari or coconut aminos can be used in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Brown sugar or honey can be used instead of sugar for a sweeter taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This dish can be made in advance and reheated for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Pepper Steak in a colorful bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sliced chili peppers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Pepper Steak with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. A glass of red wine or a cold beer complements the spicy flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 20g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 80% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 120% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Spicy Pepper Steak is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Spicy Pepper Steak is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. The bold flavors and spicy kick of pepper steak seemed to call out to me, begging to be made and savored. I had never tried making it before, but I knew that with my love for cooking and my years of experience in the kitchen, I would be able to do it justice.

I first learned about the recipe for spicy pepper steak from my dear friend Maria. She was a fantastic cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. One day, she invited me over for dinner and served me a plate of the most delicious pepper steak I had ever tasted. The meat was tender and juicy, the peppers were perfectly cooked, and the sauce was bursting with flavor. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained that the key to a great pepper steak was in the marinade. She recommended using a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar to marinate the meat for at least an hour before cooking. This would infuse the meat with flavor and help it stay juicy and tender during cooking.

I followed Maria's instructions to the letter, marinating the steak for an hour before cooking it in a hot skillet with sliced bell peppers and onions. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the steak sizzled and the peppers caramelized was simply intoxicating. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the pepper steak was finally ready, I plated it up and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the savory umami of the soy sauce, the sharp bite of the garlic and ginger, and the subtle sweetness of the sugar all came together in perfect harmony. The steak was tender and juicy, and the peppers added a nice crunch and a pop of color. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I continued to make spicy pepper steak for family and friends, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I added a bit more spice with some red pepper flakes, a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch. Each time I made it, it seemed to get better and better.

One day, I decided to enter my spicy pepper steak in a local cooking competition. I was nervous, but also excited to showcase my culinary skills to a wider audience. As I presented my dish to the judges, I could see their eyes light up at the sight and smell of the pepper steak. I held my breath as they took their first bite, waiting for their verdict.

To my delight, the judges couldn't stop raving about my dish. They praised the bold flavors, the tender meat, and the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. I was overjoyed when they announced that I had won first place in the competition. My heart swelled with pride as I accepted my trophy, knowing that my grandmother's recipe had brought me such success.

As the years went by, I continued to make spicy pepper steak for my family and friends, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. I taught them the importance of using quality ingredients, of experimenting with flavors, and of cooking with love and passion. I knew that the recipe for spicy pepper steak would live on for generations to come, bringing joy and satisfaction to all who tasted it.

And so, that is the story of how I learned to make spicy pepper steak – a recipe that has become a beloved tradition in my family, a symbol of love, creativity, and the joy of cooking. I will always be grateful to Maria for introducing me to this wonderful dish, and for inspiring me to explore new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. Cooking is not just a hobby for me – it is a way of life, a way of connecting with others, and a way of sharing my love and passion for food. And I hope that my story will inspire others to do the same.