Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Flavorful – The beef strips absorb the delicious broth and seasoning, making them tender and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy – With the help of an electric pressure cooker, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory – The brown sugar and soy sauce create a well-balanced sauce that enhances the beef and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of beef strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
- 1/2 onion, minced thickly
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the beef strips, green bell pepper, and minced onion into your electric pressure cooker.
- Add Seasonings: Add garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the mixture.
- Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir everything to combine.
- Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure to high. Cook for approximately 15 minutes.
- Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is done, perform a quick release (or a natural release if you prefer the steak to crumble).
- Thicken the Sauce: After opening the Instant Pot, press the Cancel button and switch the pressure cooker to sauté mode.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup cold water with 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the Instant Pot.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes (plus 5 minutes for thickening)
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper for some heat.
- Different Protein: Swap the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for a different take on the dish.pork, or tofu for a different take on the
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of beef broth or water if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute with fresh grated ginger for a more vibrant flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger.
Can I cook this dish on the stovetop if I don’t have a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook it in a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer the ingredients over medium heat for about 40-45 minutes until the beef is tender, and thicken the sauce as directed.
What if I don’t have soy sauce?
You can substitute with tamari (for a gluten-free option) or coconut aminos as alternatives to soy sauce.
How do I make the steak more tender?
For extra tenderness, cook the beef for a longer natural release or marinate the beef in soy sauce and a little vinegar before cooking.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but you may need to adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With a few simple ingredients and the help of a pressure cooker, you can create a rich and flavorful meal in no time. Try it today for a quick and delicious dinner everyone will love!
Chinese Onion Pepper Steak
Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is a savory and flavorful dish featuring tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This dish is made in an electric pressure cooker, making it quick and easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner. With a rich broth base and a hint of brown sugar, it’s a satisfying and comforting meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus release time)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Beef
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced thick
- 1/2 onion, minced thickly
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Place the beef, peppers, and onions in an electric pressure cooker.
- Add the garlic powder, ground ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, and brown sugar to the beef and peppers.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once done, perform a quick release or choose a natural release if you prefer the steak to crumble.
- Open the lid and press the Cancel button. Switch the pressure cooker to sauté mode.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup cold water with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the beef and pepper mixture in the Instant Pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Notes
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For a spicier kick, add a little chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
