Chinese Pepper Steak - with Coke
Submitted by readingreed
Savory beef strips with green peppers, celery, and tomatoes in a Coca-Cola-sweetened sauce. This one-pot Chinese pepper steak is comfort food at its finest.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
40 minREADY
1 hrsThis one-pot wonder brings Chinese takeout flavors home with a secret ingredient from your pantry: Coca-Cola.
The soda sweetens and tenderizes the beef while adding depth to the savory sauce.
Green peppers and celery keep their crunch, tomatoes break down into silky richness, and everything gets glossy with a cornstarch-thickened glaze.
Pile it over rice for a weeknight dinner that feels special without breaking a sweat.
Chef Tips
- Slice the beef pencil-thin against the grain for quick cooking and tender bites
- Keep the vegetables crisp by not overcooking; 5 minutes is plenty once they hit the pan
- The Coke adds sweetness and caramel notes without tasting like soda in the final dish
- Use a fork to stir gently and keep the tomato wedges intact instead of turning to mush
Variations
- Mix green and red bell peppers for a more colorful, Instagram-worthy presentation
- Add sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra umami and crunch
- Substitute ginger ale or Dr Pepper for a different sweet, spiced note
Ingredients
Directions
Trim all fat from the meat and cut into pencil-thin strips.
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil, garlic, and salt.
Add the meat and brown over high heat, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a fork.
Add the beef broth.
Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Stir in the green pepper strips, celery, onions, and ½ cup of Coca-Cola.
Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Do not overcooked, the vegetables should be tender-crisp.
Peel the tomatoes, cut into wedges, gently stir into meat.
Blend cornstarch with the ¼ cup of Coca-Cola and the soy sauce.
Stir mixture into the meat and cook until sauce is thickens, about 1 minute, stirring lightly with a fork.
Serve over hot rice.
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