Mary KellyAs a food enthusiast, there’s something magical about diving into a dish that packs a punch of flavors. For me, one dish that never fails to impress is P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak. If you have ever craved a vibrant mix of spices and fresh ingredients, this is the dish for you.
Picture yourself sipping on a chilled glass of pinot grigio while your taste buds await that first bite. The perfect sidekick for this culinary journey? A light, citrus-drenched cabbage slaw. Crisp veggies dancing in a zesty dressing elevate the meal beautifully.
What is P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak?
P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak is not just a plate of beef and vegetables; it’s an experience. This dish features thinly sliced flank steak stirred together with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a garlic-ginger marinade.
The beauty lies in its balance of savory flavors, which meld perfectly with a kick of black pepper. You can recreate this restaurant classic right in your kitchen with just a few ingredients and some time.
The Ingredients
Creating a flavorful Pepper Steak requires quality ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch (approximately 1 tablespoon) fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Peanut oil for cooking
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda mixed with water
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon doubanjiang
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
How to Make P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Begin by marinating the flank steak. Combine the baking soda mixture, soy sauces, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, black pepper, and sugar in a bowl. Toss in the thinly sliced flank steak, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let the meat marinate for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderness and flavor infusion.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
While the meat soaks in all those flavors, chop your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and chop the onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 3: Coat the Steak
After marinating, drain the steak and dust each piece lightly with cornstarch. This will create a crispy crust when cooked.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large pan or wok, heat peanut oil over high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough that the oil shimmers but be cautious not to let it smoke.
Step 5: Cook the Steak
Add the coated steak to the hot oil in small batches. Sear each side until browned and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the cooked steak and set it aside.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
With the steak out of the pan, add more oil if necessary. Toss in the garlic and ginger first, followed by the chopped onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
Step 7: Combine and Sauce It Up
Return the cooked steak to the pan with the veggies. Pour in your sauce mixture and toss everything together for a couple of minutes until it’s heated through. Let the sauce reduce slightly so it clings to the meat and veggies.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once everything is beautifully combined, serve the Pepper Steak hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with more black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Be patient with the marination: The longer you can marinate the steak, the more flavorful it will be.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili oil and doubanjiang.
- Experiment with veggies: Toss in broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Cutting against the grain: For the flank steak, this is essential for tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the steak in batches if necessary to get that perfect sear.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the dish moist.
Nutrition Information
p f chang’s pepper steak recipe nutrition facts
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Steamed Rice: A fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine or basmati rice pairs perfectly and absorbs the sauce.
- Try Noodles: Lo mein or udon noodles offer a delightful alternative to rice, soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These add a crunch and a refreshing contrast against the tender steak.
- Garlic Bread: It may sound unconventional, but a slice of garlic bread can be excellent for mopping up extra sauce.
- Chilled Sake: Enjoy this Japanese rice wine on the side. It complements the dish without overwhelming it.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak?
- Chicken: Swap flank steak for thinly sliced chicken breast. Adjust cooking time since chicken cooks faster.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu, cut into slices and marinated like the beef.
- Portobello Mushrooms: For a meatless umami punch, use sliced portobello mushrooms. They absorb flavors well.
- Quinoa: Instead of rice, serve this dish on a bed of cooked quinoa for added protein and nutrients.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a lighter, gluten-free option, use spiralized zucchini to create a fresh take on the dish.
P F Chang’s Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by marinating the flank steak. Combine the baking soda mixture, soy sauces, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, black pepper, and sugar in a bowl. Toss in the thinly sliced flank steak, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let the meat marinate for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderness and flavor infusion.
- While the meat soaks in all those flavors, chop your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and chop the onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother.
- After marinating, drain the steak and dust each piece lightly with cornstarch. This will create a crispy crust when cooked.
- In a large pan or wok, heat peanut oil over high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough that the oil shimmers but be cautious not to let it smoke.
- Add the coated steak to the hot oil in small batches. Sear each side until browned and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the cooked steak and set it aside.
- With the steak out of the pan, add more oil if necessary. Toss in the garlic and ginger first, followed by the chopped onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
- Return the cooked steak to the pan with the veggies. Pour in your sauce mixture and toss everything together for a couple of minutes until it’s heated through. Let the sauce reduce slightly so it clings to the meat and veggies.
- Once everything is beautifully combined, serve the Pepper Steak hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with more black pepper if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Be patient with the marination: The longer you can marinate the steak, the more flavorful it will be.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili oil and doubanjiang.
- Experiment with veggies: Toss in broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Cutting against the grain: For the flank steak, this is essential for tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the steak in batches if necessary to get that perfect sear.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Cooking P.F. Chang’s Pepper Steak at home is not just about food; it’s about relishing the journey. From marinating the meat to savoring that first delightful bite, each step has its charm. Combine that with a refreshing side, and you have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The blend of flavors, the satisfying texture, and the vibrant colors on your plate will charm anyone.
So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or family member, and let’s whip up a feast like no other. Cooking should be fun, and with Pepper Steak in your meal rotation, you’ll always have something to smile about.
