If you have a craving for a dish that’s vibrant, bursting with flavor, and brings a little restaurant magic right into your home kitchen, then this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender slices of steak, perfectly seared and tossed with sweet onions and colorful bell peppers, swim in a luscious sauce that’s both savory and slightly tangy. The finishing touch of crushed black pepper adds a delightful kick, making every bite an exhilarating experience. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress friends, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the backbone of this dish, each carefully chosen to create perfect harmony in taste, texture, and color. They work together to deliver a balance of savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors that make this Chinese pepper steak stand out.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing the right cut and slicing thinly ensures tender, juicy bites every time.
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings: Adds sweetness and crunch, complementing the savory steak perfectly.
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced: Their vibrant colors and crisp texture brighten the dish both visually and taste-wise.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided): Essential for creating that sizzling sear and cooking the vegetables just right.
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced: Garlic brings warmth and depth to the sauce, enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (optional): A subtle zing that lifts the dish and adds authentic Chinese flair.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred): Provides the salty, umami base of the sauce without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Introduces a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce mixture.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Balances the sauce with a delicate tanginess that brightens every bite.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Counters acidity and enhances the caramelization during cooking.
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy, irresistible coating for the steak and veggies.
- 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper (adjust to taste): The star spice that adds heat and boldness to this sizzling dish.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir it thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch blends smoothly. Setting this sauce aside early allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the steak and vegetables.
Step 2: Slice and Prep Your Ingredients
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender when cooked. Cut the onions into rings and the bell peppers into thin strips to ensure quick, even cooking and maintain their crunch. If you’re using ginger, grate it fresh—it makes all the difference!
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once shimmering, add the steak slices in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside to rest; this keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly so they don’t burn but release their incredible fragrances. Add the onion rings and bell peppers, cooking for about 4–5 minutes until just tender but still vibrant and crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the steak to the pan with the vegetables. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the ingredients. Toss everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and veggies perfectly. Sprinkle the crushed black pepper over the dish and stir to distribute that signature peppery punch.
Step 6: Achieve the Sizzle
For that amazing sizzling effect, increase the heat briefly once the sauce is thickened and watch the sauce bubble, creating the mouthwatering sound and aroma that makes this dish unforgettable. Then, take it off the heat and get ready to serve.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and extra layer of flavor. These simple touches elevate the presentation and compliment the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of that savory sauce. You can also pair it with simple stir-fried broccoli or snap peas for a fresh, nutritious contrast that keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Try serving your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe in a sizzling hot plate if you have one at home—this prolongs the heat and enhances the experience. Or plate it with a side of crunchy wonton strips for an unexpected texture twist that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the dish stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, it’s best to keep the steak and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the pepper steak gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much. Avoid microwaving to maintain the dish’s texture and the vibrant freshness of the bell peppers and onions.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin is recommended for tenderness, you can use other lean cuts like ribeye or even skirt steak. Just ensure they are thinly sliced against the grain for the best texture.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce or hoisin sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or a splash of fish sauce, and hoisin sauce with a blend of soy sauce and a touch of honey or molasses to mimic that sweet depth.
Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger truly brightens the dish and adds authenticity, but if you don’t have any, a pinch of ground ginger will work in a pinch. Just use less to avoid overpowering the flavors.
How spicy is this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe?
The crushed black pepper adds moderate heat with a sharp, peppery flavor rather than overwhelming spiciness. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal heat tolerance.
Can I prepare any of this in advance?
Yes! You can slice your beef and vegetables ahead of time and prepare the sauce earlier in the day. This makes the cooking process super quick when you’re ready to bring everything together.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe that brings warmth and excitement to the dinner table. It combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s anything but ordinary, delivering bold flavors, gorgeous colors, and textures that delight every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how easy it is to make restaurant-quality meals at home — your taste buds are in for a treat!
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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a vibrant stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of flank steak or sirloin cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet peppery sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe balances bold flavors with a hint of freshness from garlic and ginger, served sizzling hot for an alluring presentation.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (optional for extra flavor)
Sauces and Condiments
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
Other Ingredients
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is fully incorporated. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Cook the Steak: Increase the heat to high and add the thinly sliced flank steak. Stir-fry the meat quickly for 3-4 minutes until it is browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp and vibrant in color.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked steak to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and sizzle.
- Add Crushed Black Pepper: Sprinkle the crushed black pepper over the stir-fry. Toss everything once more to blend the pepper’s heat evenly throughout the dish.
- Serve Hot: Transfer the sizzling pepper steak and onions to a serving platter. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor and aroma, marinate the steak briefly in a tablespoon of soy sauce before cooking.
- Adjust crushed black pepper to your preferred spice level; start with less and add more if desired.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or any tender cut suitable for quick stir-frying.
- To keep vegetables crisp, avoid overcooking and stir-fry over high heat.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for an authentic meal.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve an additional 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch in water and stir it in at the end, cooking briefly until thickened.
