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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and delightful textures, the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant stir-fry combines tender slices of flank steak with crisp bell peppers and sweet onions, all coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce that sizzles right off the pan. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes, making it a showcase of classic Chinese-inspired cooking that’s easy to whip up on any weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right means gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the rich umami of soy and oyster sauce to the punch of ginger and garlic, every component brings color, flavor, and texture that make this recipe sing.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Helps create a silky, thick coating on the steak for that perfect sear.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds deep umami to marinate the beef, infusing it with savory goodness.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma that enhances every stir-fry element.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Offers sweetness and crunch that balance out the meat.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Provides freshness and a contrasting crisp.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant, pungent layer of flavor essential in Chinese cuisine.
- 1 tsp ginger, minced: Gives a warm, zesty kick and light spice.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Forms the base of the savory sauce that coats the beef and veggies.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet note with depth.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a touch of tang.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Provides a mellow sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances the savory and acidic ingredients perfectly.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps create the sauce consistency you’re craving.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds: A subtle crunch and toasted aroma for garnish.
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped: Freshness and color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak with cornstarch and soy sauce in a bowl. This step is crucial because the cornstarch helps create that lovely caramelized crust on the meat while the soy sauce infuses it with deep flavor. Let it rest for around 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. This sauce mixture is what will bind everything together with that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until you get a beautiful browned crust. Once done, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in the sliced onions, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they start to soften but maintain a pleasant crispness—this preserves their fresh flavor and vibrant colors.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything so the steak and vegetables are thoroughly coated. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, turning every element into a glossy, flavorful delight.
Step 6: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the stir-fry just before serving. These finishing touches enhance both texture and flavor, giving the dish that irresistible final lift.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond sesame seeds and green onions, try adding a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a light drizzle of chili oil if you crave a little heat. These simple garnishes make the dish visually stunning and layer in extra bursts of flavor that your guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, soaking up all those luscious sauce juices. For a lower-carb option, serve it alongside stir-fried noodles or even cauliflower rice. To keep things balanced, a side of steamed bok choy or lightly sautéed snap peas works wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at your next dinner, serve this sizzling Chinese pepper steak on a hot cast-iron platter for that restaurant-style effect. You can also pile it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or wrap it inside lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 2 to 3 days. Keep the sauce and vegetables together to maintain their flavor and moisture, but if the steak feels a bit tough the next day, a quick reheat in a splash of water helps restore tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the texture and flavor without drying out the steak.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of water or extra soy sauce to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the beef chewy. Stir often and heat until everything is hot and inviting once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they’re tender and thinly sliceable, you can also try ribeye or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently, but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a dash of chili oil if you like your pepper steak with some kick.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free as well.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with a pinch of sugar to mimic the mild acidity and sweetness.
How long does it take to cook from start to finish?
From prepping to plating, this recipe generally takes around 30 minutes — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe, it quickly becomes one of those dishes you want to keep making again and again. It balances bold flavors and textures beautifully, it’s easy to prepare, and it’s a wonderful way to bring some excitement to your dinner table. So grab your wok, fresh ingredients, and get ready to savor every sizzling bite!
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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe features tender slices of flank steak seared to perfection and tossed with crisp bell peppers and onions in a flavorful soy-based sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, this stir-fry dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with cornstarch and soy sauce. Allow it to marinate for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside for later use.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain a crisp texture.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish. Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or any other tender cut suitable for quick cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- If you prefer spicier food, add sliced chili peppers or chili flakes during the vegetable sauté step.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or chow mein noodles.
