Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Get ready to fire up your taste buds with Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, a dish that brings the irresistible flavors of a classic Chinese-American takeout right to your own kitchen. Imagine sizzling strips of tender beef mingling with sweet bell peppers and onions, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat. This meal is not only quick to whip up but also a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something bold and comforting. It’s a favorite for a reason, and once you try it, you’ll see why it gets requested again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is all in its straightforward, vibrant ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s depth of flavor, a pop of color, or a satisfying texture—so don’t skip a thing!
- Flank steak or sirloin: Choose a tender cut and slice it thinly against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Soy sauce: Delivers that signature salty, umami backbone to the marinade and sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth that makes the sauce cling beautifully.
- Hoisin sauce: Offers a hint of sweetness and complexity that rounds out the flavors.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the steak and thickens the sauce just right.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash brings nutty, aromatic notes you’ll love.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without adding extra flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a burst of color to the dish.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a subtle bitterness and keeps things vibrant.
- Large onion: Offers natural sweetness and that classic stir-fry crunch.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, savory aroma.
- Fresh ginger: Lends a zingy, warming kick that brightens everything up.
- Beef broth or water: Helps create a flavorful, glossy sauce to bring all the elements together.
- Black pepper: Delivers a gentle heat and signature peppery finish.
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds: Optional, but they add freshness and a final touch of pizzazz when serving.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Let it soak up all those flavors for at least 15 minutes—this little pause is what ensures every bite of your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is savory, tender, and wonderfully juicy.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for just 2 to 3 minutes until it’s browned on the outside but still a little rare in the middle. Scoop the beef out and set it aside; this quick sear keeps it super tender.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add the remaining oil to your hot pan and toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just starting to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Sprinkle in the garlic and ginger, and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Slide the seared beef back into the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the black pepper. Give everything a good toss so the sauce coats every piece, then cook for a final 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is cooked through. This step brings your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions to glossy, saucy perfection.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions piping hot over steamed rice or noodles. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a scattering of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds is all it takes to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions look as irresistible as it tastes. These little finishing touches add a burst of freshness and a hint of crunch—don’t underestimate the power of a pretty garnish!
Side Dishes
This dish is a natural star when paired with fluffy steamed rice, but it also shines alongside noodles, fried rice, or even a crisp Asian slaw. For a full takeout-style feast, add some vegetable spring rolls or a side of stir-fried greens to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions sizzling-hot in a cast-iron skillet or on a platter for a dramatic presentation? You can also spoon it into lettuce cups for a fresh, fun appetizer or pile it high in a lunchbox with rice and a few slices of cucumber for mid-week meal envy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions stores like a dream. Let any extra cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner a breeze later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool down first. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just know that the peppers and onions may soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavor will still be spot-on.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks a bit thick. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until it’s steaming all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are classic for their tenderness and flavor, you can use skirt steak, ribeye, or even thinly sliced chuck. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for best results.
How do I make the dish spicier?
If you like some heat, toss in a sliced chili pepper with the veggies or add a dash of chili oil to the sauce. You can also sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes at the end for an extra kick.
Is Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce for their gluten-free versions, which are widely available in most grocery stores. Always double-check the labels to be sure.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn—this recipe is very flexible. Just keep an eye on cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender and doesn’t overcook.
What’s the best way to slice the beef?
For the most tender Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, freeze the steak for about 20 minutes before slicing. This firms it up and makes it much easier to cut thin, even strips against the grain.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a restaurant-style meal at home, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is your ticket to a speedy, flavor-packed dinner that never fails to impress. Give it a try, and get ready for your kitchen to become everyone’s favorite takeout spot!
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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of marinated flank steak cooked with crisp bell peppers and onions. This savory dish is enhanced with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, garlic, and ginger, delivering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a satisfying main course ideal for weeknight dinners served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Cooking & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on the outside but not cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Combine and Cook: Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the black pepper over the mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is fully cooked.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil during the stir-fry step.
- To increase the sauce quantity, double the beef broth and add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water for thickening.
- Ensure the steak is sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use a hot pan or wok to get a good sear and prevent overcrowding to avoid steaming the beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
