Ever Pepper Steak

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak: Start by thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain. This ensures the steak remains tender after cooking. Once sliced, season the steak pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine and set the sauce aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften but still retain some crunch. Add the garlic and grated ginger (if using) and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
4. Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat over medium-high. Add the sliced steak in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to do this in batches). Let the steak sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
5. Combine and Cook the Sauce: Return the vegetables and steak to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix the beef broth and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Stir everything to coat the steak and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
6. Simmer and Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes glossy. This will coat the steak and vegetables beautifully, creating a flavorful, savory-sweet glaze.
7. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Ever Pepper Steak over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Why This Recipe Is So Special:

1. Tender Steak, Crisp Vegetables: The key to great pepper steak is the balance between the tender beef and the crisp, sweet bell peppers. The steak is sliced thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender, while the peppers provide a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
2. Flavorful Sauce: The savory-sweet sauce ties the dish together, with the richness of soy sauce and oyster sauce, the tang of Worcestershire and rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from sugar. It’s a well-balanced sauce that complements the steak and peppers without overpowering them.
3. Quick and Easy to Make: While this dish has a lot of flavor, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With a few basic ingredients, you can make a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights or even a weekend dinner when you want something flavorful but low-effort.
4. Customizable: While this recipe uses bell peppers and onions, you can customize the vegetables based on what you have available. Try adding mushrooms, snap peas, or even some baby corn for extra texture and variety. You can also adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the sauce.
5. Versatile Pairing: Ever Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but it also goes great with noodles, quinoa, or even a simple salad. The leftovers, if you have any, can be used in wraps or served on top of a bed of greens for a delicious lunch.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak, be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the meat to steam rather than sear. If necessary, cook the steak in batches.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like your sauce a little more tangy, you can add a bit more rice vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to increase the sugar slightly.
• Make it Spicy: For some heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables while stir-frying. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.
• Use High Heat: Cooking at medium-high to high heat ensures that the steak gets a good sear and the vegetables remain crisp-tender, adding to the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

Final Thoughts:

Ever Pepper Steak is a dish that brings together simple ingredients and transforms them into something flavorful and exciting. The tender beef, vibrant peppers, and savory-sweet sauce create a balanced, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and offers delicious results every time.

If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dish that will wow your family and friends, this is the one. Give it a try, and see why it’s called Ever Pepper Steak—you might just find it becoming a go-to recipe in your kitchen for years to come. Enjoy!