Description
A classic Chinese-American stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions in a savory brown sauce with a hint of black pepper. This quick-cooking dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef top sirloin steak, thinly sliced (For best results, cut against the grain.)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (Opt for a high-quality brand like Kikkoman for the best flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons white sugar (Sweetening the soy sauce brings out the flavors beautifully.)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (This helps thicken the sauce and gives a velvety texture.)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (Fresh ginger is fantastic too if you have it on hand!)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (Canola or sunflower oil works well too.)
- 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch squares (The sweetness of the onion adds depth.)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares (for crunch and color).
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges (These add juiciness and balance out the dish.)
Instructions
Marinate Beef: Combine marinade ingredients. Add beef slices and toss to coat. Let sit 15 minutes.,Prep Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.,Stir-Fry: Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok over high heat. Add beef in single layer; sear 1-2 minutes per side. Remove.,Cook Vegetables: Add remaining oil. Stir-fry onions 1 minute. Add peppers, garlic, and ginger; cook 2 minutes.,Combine: Return beef to wok. Stir sauce mixture and pour over. Cook 1-2 minutes until thickened.,Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
Slicing Tip: Freeze beef 30 minutes for easier thin slicing,Heat Control: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes for spicier version,Vegetable Swap: Add mushrooms or snow peas,Make Ahead: Slice ingredients up to 24 hours in advance,Wok Tip: Ensure wok is smoking hot for proper sear
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (without rice)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg