This Pepper Chicken stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish packed with bold flavors and crisp vegetables. Made with tender vegan chicken, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a rich soy-based sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Table of contents
Origin & Popularity of Pepper Chicken
Pepper Chicken stir-fry is inspired by classic Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese and Indian pepper-based dishes that highlight bold, spicy, and umami-rich flavors.
The dish has gained popularity for its simplicity and versatility, making it a favorite for those who enjoy quick, home-cooked meals.
The vegan adaptation of this dish allows plant-based eaters to enjoy the same deep, peppery flavors traditionally found in non-vegan versions, offering a satisfying and healthy alternative.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pepper Chicken
To create the perfect Pepper Chicken stir-fry, the vegan chicken is first marinated with soy sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. This step enhances the texture, ensuring that the plant-based protein remains tender while absorbing the savory and peppery flavors. The cornstarch also adds a slight crispness when stir-fried, giving the dish a satisfying bite.
The stir-fry itself incorporates essential aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions, which build a deep, fragrant base for the dish. The addition of bell peppers not only provides a vibrant color contrast but also contributes a natural sweetness that balances the boldness of the black pepper and soy sauce. These vegetables add crunch and freshness, making the dish well-rounded in both taste and texture.
To tie everything together, a flavorful sauce is made using vegetable broth, soy sauce, vinegar, and additional black pepper. This combination creates a rich, umami-packed glaze that coats the ingredients evenly, enhancing their flavors. The vegetable broth adds depth, while vinegar introduces a subtle tang that complements the spiciness of the black pepper, resulting in a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
How to make Pepper Chicken
In a bowl, combine the vegan chicken strips with soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and black pepper. Toss well to coat and let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the marinated vegan chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and heated through and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and additional black pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Pepper Chicken stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the bold flavors of the sauce to soak into the grains. For a lighter option, try serving it with quinoa or cauliflower rice. It also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps or alongside stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and vegan chicken may change upon thawing.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
- Make it extra saucy: Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a saucier stir-fry.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for more variety.
Other Recipes to Try
This vegan Pepper Chicken stir-fry is easy, delicious, and full of bold peppery goodness—perfect for a quick dinner with minimal effort!
I’d love to hear how this Pepper Chicken stir-fry turned out for you! If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe with a star rating. Your feedback helps others and allows me to keep creating great recipes for you.
Also, don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook — tag me so I can see your amazing creations! Happy cooking!
Pepper Chicken
This Pepper Chicken stir-fry is a quick and tasty treat! It’s packed with bold flavors and crisp veggies. Made with tender vegan chicken, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a rich soy-based sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the chicken & marinade
- 10 oz vegan chicken
- 1 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, grounded
For the stir fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, peeled and chopped
- 2 bell peppers, red and green
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, grounded
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the vegan chicken strips, soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and black pepper. Toss it all up until it’s nicely coated and let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prep the veggies.
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a big pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s a bit soft. Then, stir in the garlic and ginger and sauté for another 30 seconds until they smell amazing.
- Add the marinated vegan chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it’s lightly browned and heated through. Keep stirring-frying for another 2-3 minutes until it’s a bit tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a bit more black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly coated. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to let the flavors get to know each other.
- Take it off the heat and serve it right away over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1.5 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 301Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1218mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 19g