A Delicious Stir-Fry Recipe to Convert Green Pepper Skeptics
Green bell peppers often get a bad rap due to their bitter and underdeveloped flavor. Cookbook author Nigella Lawson once famously stated, The only pepper I cannot abide is a green pepper. However, when used correctly, the unique taste of green peppers can add a delightful edge of bitterness to dishes, creating a balance between savory and sweet flavors.
One dish that truly showcases the potential of green peppers is pepper steak. While many Americans may think of the saucy beef stir-fry with red and green bell peppers commonly found on takeout menus, the Chinese culinary canon offers different variations of peppery beef dishes. These include Cantonese-style beef with black pepper or a homey stir-fry featuring thin matchsticks of beef and long hot peppers.
The Leungs, a family known for their popular blog and cookbook called Woks of Life, recently shared their own twist on pepper steak. Their recipe incorporates oyster sauce, chicken stock, and red bell peppers alongside the green variety. The key to these beef and pepper dishes is the minimal use of impactful ingredients to flavor the meat, with the green bell pepper providing a distinct fragrance to the sauce.
In this version of pepper steak, thin slices of flank or skirt steak are marinated in a simple mixture of soy sauce, honey, and black pepper. The result is tender, caramelized beef that is bursting with flavor. The stir-frying process is quick and easy, requiring high heat to sear the steak and blister the delicate skins of the onions and peppers.
When cooked correctly, a green bell pepper can shine with its charred exterior and crunchy interior. The Chinese American pepper steak celebrates the often-maligned green bell pepper in all its savory and vegetal glory.
To make this flavorful dish, begin by marinating the beef in a mixture of cornstarch, black pepper, soy sauce, and oil. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. Heat a wok or skillet and add the marinated beef, cooking until it browns around the edges. Set the meat aside and add the peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger to the same pan. Once they start to soften, reintroduce the meat, along with Shaoxing wine, honey, and soy sauce. Cook until the liquid reduces and coats the vegetables and beef.
Serve this delectable pepper steak immediately with rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
By incorporating green bell peppers into your cooking, you can discover a new appreciation for their unique taste. Whether you’re trying to capture a hint of bitterness or aiming to create a balanced flavor base, green peppers can elevate your culinary creations. Don’t let their underripe reputation deter you from exploring the potential of this versatile ingredient.
With the Leungs’ pepper steak recipe and an open mind, you might just find that green bell peppers have a place in your kitchen after all. Give it a try and let your taste buds be the judge!
