Imagine a dish that combines the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine with an unexpected twist - Coca-Cola! This Chinese Pepper Steak isn't just another stir-fry; it's a culinary adventure that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary feast. The magical combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a secret soda-infused marinade will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds. Get ready to discover a recipe that's about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing the flank steak against the grain into thin strips, ensuring even cuts for quick and uniform cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, soy sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Reserve half the mixture for later sauce.
- Add sliced steak to the marinade and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil.
- Once the pan is very hot, quickly stir-fry the marinated beef in batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each piece gets a nice sear and develops a golden-brown color.
- Remove the beef and set aside, then in the same pan, stir-fry sliced green bell peppers and onions until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan and pour the reserved marinade over the meat and vegetables, stirring quickly to create a glossy, caramelized sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles, garnishing with optional chopped green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Use a wok or high-sided skillet for the best heat distribution and authentic stir-fry results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef - cook in batches to achieve a perfect golden sear.
- The Coca-Cola acts as a tenderizer and adds a subtle sweetness, so use a room temperature can for best results.
- Let the meat marinate for at least 10-15 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes to prevent over-tenderizing.
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of sesame oil or ginger to the marinade.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature - stir-fried dishes are always best fresh from the pan!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
