---
author: Andy Baraghani
source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=wN1qltsJU-I&is=7_8pRNEDxE4qyflf
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN1qltsJU-I
hero: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wN1qltsJU-I/maxresdefault.jpg
tags: [beef, dinner, chinese]
tried: false
added: 2026-10-14
---

# Pepper Steak and Celery Stir-Fry with Lemon

## Prep Beef

1. Place (454g)[sirloin steak] in the freezer for 10 minutes until firm.
2. Slice chilled beef against the grain into ¼-inch-thick strips about 2 inches long.
3. Place beef in a medium bowl and season with [salt] and (5g)[pepper].
4. Add (9g)[cornstarch] and (5g)[light brown sugar] and toss until beef is thoroughly coated.

## Prep Aromatics

5. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from (1)[lemon] in wide strips; set peels aside.
6. Cut lemon in half and set aside.
7. Trim and thinly slice (5 stalks)[celery] on a bias.
8. Finely grate (3 cloves)[garlic].
9. Thinly slice (3)[scallions], keeping green and white parts separated.

## Cook

10. Set a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
11. Add (14g)[vegetable oil] to the pan.
12. Add half the beef in a single layer and cook without stirring until deeply browned around the edges, about 2 minutes.
13. Flip beef — pieces at the edges first — and cook on the other side until no longer pink, about 20 seconds.
14. Transfer beef to a plate and repeat with remaining beef using the remaining (14g)[vegetable oil].
15. After the second batch is transferred, add [celery], [garlic], scallion whites, and reserved lemon peels to the pan.
16. Season lightly with [salt] and cook, stirring often, until scallions have slightly softened, about 1 minute.
17. Return beef and any juices to the pan.
18. Add (35g)[soy sauce] and (27g)[unsalted butter].
19. Cook, tossing, until you have a smooth sauce that coats the steak, about 30 seconds.
20. Turn off the heat and squeeze in the juice from one lemon half; toss once more.
21. Transfer stir-fry to a platter, top with scallion greens, and serve with the remaining lemon half.