Quick & Easy Pepper Steak Gravy

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A Symphony of Spices

Imagine a tender, juicy steak, bathed in a rich, velvety gravy, its flavors dancing on your palate. Now, imagine that gravy infused with the fiery heat of Szechuan peppercorns, the fragrant allure of Chinese five-spice powder, and the sweet, tangy notes of balsamic vinegar. This is the Szechuan Steak Sensation, a culinary journey that bridges continents and cultures.

Ingredients:

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Image Source: themagicalslowcooker.com

1.5 lbs flank steak, trimmed

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

    • Preparation:

    1. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
    2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
    3. Create the Gravy: Pour in the beef broth, red wine, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, Szechuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
    4. Thicken the Gravy: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.
    5. Return the Steak: Slice the steak and return it to the pan with the gravy. Coat the steak evenly with the sauce.
    6. Serve: Serve the Szechuan Steak Sensation immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

    Total Time: 45 minutes

    A Cultural Fusion

    This dish is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. The tender, juicy steak is a nod to classic Western cuisine, while the bold, complex flavors of the gravy are deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions. The Szechuan peppercorns, in particular, add a unique numbing sensation that is both exhilarating and intriguing. The balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, provides a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the heat of the spices.

    By combining these disparate elements, we create a dish that is both familiar and exotic, comforting and exciting. It is a dish that invites us to explore the world, one bite at a time.