Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion

If you’re craving a savory, tender beef dish with vibrant peppers and a rich sauce, Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is the perfect recipe for you. This easy-to-make dish is prepared in an electric pressure cooker, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. The combination of beef, bell peppers, and onions in a savory soy sauce and ginger sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb beef strips (thinly sliced round steaks)
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into thick slices
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thick slices
• 1/2 thick sliced onion
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Place the beef strips, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion into the electric pressure cooker.
2. Season the Beef: Add garlic powder, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the beef and vegetables.
3. Add Broth: Pour the beef broth into the pressure cooker and stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid tightly and set the pressure to high for 15 minutes.
5. Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release or allow a natural release for tender steak.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Remove the lid and switch the pressure cooker to sauté mode. In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup cold water with cornstarch and stir this mixture into the Instant Pot.
7. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a boil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce has thickened, serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Complement with Sides: Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion over steamed white or brown rice, or alongside noodles for a complete meal. For added freshness, consider a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad.
2. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing the dish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. A dash of red pepper flakes can also add a bit of heat if desired.
3. Serve Hot: Enjoy this dish hot for the best flavor and texture. The sauce is thick and rich, making it perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. Allow the meal to cool to room temperature before transferring to the container to avoid condensation.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy identification.
3. Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, use medium heat and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
4. Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the beef as it can become tough. Heat just until the beef is warmed through and the sauce is hot.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion fresh and flavorful, whether you’re serving it immediately or saving some for later!

Variations :

1. Vegetable Variation:
   • Add More Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Slice the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
   • How to Add: Add these vegetables along with the bell peppers and onions before pressure cooking. Adjust the cooking time if necessary to ensure all vegetables are tender.
2. Spicy Pepper Steak:
   • Increase the Heat: Add red pepper flakes, chopped fresh chili peppers, or a splash of hot sauce to the dish for a spicier kick.
   • How to Add: Incorporate these spicy ingredients during the initial cooking phase, or adjust according to your heat preference.
3. Sweet and Sour Variation:
   • Add Sweet and Sour Sauce: Mix in a few tablespoons of sweet and sour sauce to give the dish a tangy sweetness.
   • How to Add: Stir the sweet and sour sauce into the beef and peppers mixture before pressure cooking. Adjust the brown sugar to balance the sweetness.
4. Asian-Inspired Flavor:
   • Incorporate Hoisin Sauce: Add a tablespoon or two of hoisin sauce for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
   • How to Add: Mix the hoisin sauce with the soy sauce and beef broth before pressure cooking.
5. Garlic and Ginger Boost:
   • Enhance Aromatics: Increase the amount of garlic and ginger for a more pronounced flavor. Use minced fresh garlic and ginger for a stronger taste.
   • How to Add: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of minced fresh ginger along with the other seasonings.
6. Citrus Twist:
   • Add Citrus Zest: For a fresh twist, include the zest of a lime or lemon, or a splash of their juice, to brighten the flavors.
   • How to Add: Add the citrus zest or juice just before serving, or mix it in during the final steps of cooking.
7. Low-Sodium Option:
   • Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
   • How to Add: Simply replace the soy sauce in the recipe with its low-sodium counterpart.
8. Gluten-Free Variation:
   • Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to ensure the dish is gluten-free.
   • How to Add: Replace the soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free sauce in the recipe.
9. Beef and Pork Blend:
   • Mix Beef and Pork: Combine beef strips with pork strips for a different texture and flavor.
   • How to Add: Use equal parts of thinly sliced beef and pork, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
10. Creamy Pepper Steak:
    • Add Cream: For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of the cooking process.
    • How to Add: After thickening the sauce with cornstarch, mix in the cream and let it heat through.

These variations allow you to customize Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that every meal is deliciously unique!

FAQs :

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or flank steak. Just ensure they are thinly sliced for even cooking and tenderness.
2. Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?
   • If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can adapt the recipe for a stovetop or slow cooker. For stovetop, simmer the beef and vegetables in a covered pan for about 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is tender. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
   • If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can mix a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
4. Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
   • Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Store the cooled dish in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. What can I use instead of beef broth for a different flavor?
   • You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Keep in mind that it will alter the overall taste of the dish.
6. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
   • To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth. You can also add extra vegetables for a hearty meal.
7. How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger portion?
   • To adjust the recipe, simply scale the ingredients up or down proportionally. For smaller portions, use less beef and broth; for larger portions, increase the quantities accordingly.

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef, crisp peppers, and a flavorful sauce in a quick and easy meal. The use of an electric pressure cooker ensures that you get a richly flavored dish with minimal fuss, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. With its savory and slightly sweet sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy this tasty and satisfying dish with your favorite side of rice or noodles for a complete and delicious meal!