Gram's Chinese Pepper Steak

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or you can use any vegetable oil)
• 1 lb round steak, thinly sliced into strips
• 1 bunch celery, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 3 large green peppers (you can use mix colors for a nice presentation)
• 1/2 lb yellow onion, sliced into strips
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups water or beef broth
• 15 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1. 1

   Sear steak strips in oil in a large skillet or dutch oven.

2. 2

   Add celery, peppers, and onion to the meat in the skillet and stir fry for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the black pepper, pepper flakes, ginger, salt, brown sugar, thyme, and water. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Then add the can of tomatoes.

4. 4

   Mix the brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of water together and then add to the meat and vegetables. Stir gently while the sauce thickens. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.