Beef With Green Pepper Recipe

Prepare and marinate beef

Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl. Add 3 tbs soy sauce, 1 tbs Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate at room temperature for 15–20 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).

Prep vegetables

While the beef marinates, core and seed the green bell peppers and cut into 1/2-inch strips. Peel and slice the onion into 1/4-inch wedges. Mince the garlic and ginger and slice the scallions on the bias. Set aside in separate bowls for quick cooking.

Mix sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1.5 tbs oyster sauce, 1 tbs soy sauce, 1 tbs beef or chicken stock (or water), 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch until smooth. This will thicken when added to the hot pan.

Stir-fry vegetables

Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the green pepper strips and continue to stir-fry 2–3 minutes until the peppers are bright and slightly tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer vegetables to a plate and keep warm.

Cook the beef

Return the wok to very high heat. Add the remaining 1 tbs oil and let it shimmer. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Spread the slices so they contact the hot surface and let sear 30–45 seconds, then stir-fry for another 30–45 seconds until the beef is browned but still tender. Remove beef to the plate with vegetables.

Combine and finish

Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the sauce mixture to the wok and bring to a simmer; the cornstarch will thicken the sauce within 30–60 seconds. Return the beef and vegetables to the wok and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with up to 1/2 tsp salt if needed. Stir in sliced scallions and drizzle optional 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil. Toss once more and remove from heat.

Transfer the Beef with Green Pepper to a serving platter. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.