Begin by seasoning the steak with the freshly ground black pepper, making sure to rub it in for maximum flavor. Slice the steak into thin strips and lay them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced onion and bell peppers on top of the steak.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth with the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic powder. Once combined, pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, blend the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth with the cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5 hours. This slow cooking process will infuse the steak and vegetables with the flavors of the sauce, creating a tender and flavorful dish.
Before serving, give the pepper steak a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed to suit your preferences.
Pro Tip: While this recipe presents a Western adaptation of a dish with roots in China's Fujian province, it traditionally uses pork. For an even more authentic experience, consider substituting pork for the beef. This minor adjustment will bring you closer to enjoying the original flavor profile of this classic dish.
With this easy slow cooker recipe, you can satisfy your craving for Chinese pepper steak any night of the week, without the need for takeout. Serve it as is or alongside your favorite rice or noodles for a complete meal.
