Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This recipe brings you a classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor, combining tender steak, vibrant peppers, and savory onions in a rich, tangy sauce.

Ingredients

For the Steak Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

1. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

2. Add the thinly sliced flank steak, ensuring every piece is coated.

3. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth.

2. Set aside this flavorful blend to use later.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the bell peppers and onion slices, stirring frequently for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

3. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.

2. Add the marinated steak in a single layer, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

3. Return the vegetables to the skillet with the cooked steak.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

1. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly.

2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir well.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat.

2. Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles.

3. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Pepper Steak

• Cut Against the Grain: Always slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• High Heat Cooking: Use high heat to quickly sear the steak and lock in the juices.

• Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for extra variety

1. Variations of the Recipe

Spicy Pepper Steak

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Alternatively, toss in sliced fresh chilies (like Thai chilies or jalapeños) when cooking the vegetables.

Low-Sodium Option

• Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.

• Replace beef broth with unsalted broth or water.

Vegetarian Version

• Substitute the steak with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a plant-based alternative.

• Increase the vegetable portion with snap peas, baby corn, and carrots for a hearty dish.

Honey-Garlic Glaze

• Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness and a sticky glaze.

• Pair it with roasted sesame seeds for an aromatic finish.

2. Perfect Pairings

Side Dishes

• Fried Rice: A classic complement to pepper steak. Try making egg-fried rice or vegetable fried rice to pair with the dish.

• Lo Mein: Toss up some noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil for a simple but delicious side.

• Steamed Dumplings: Serve pork or vegetable dumplings for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.

Soups and Starters

• Hot and Sour Soup: This tangy soup balances the richness of the pepper steak.

• Egg Drop Soup: Light and comforting, it pairs perfectly as a starter.

• Spring Rolls: Serve crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls with a sweet chili dipping sauce.

Beverages

• Green Tea: A warm, refreshing tea complements the savory flavors.

• Iced Jasmine Tea: Perfect for a cooling and fragrant drink.

• Plum Wine or Sake: If you prefer alcohol, these beverages add a unique twist to the meal.

3. Advanced Cooking Tips

• Velveting the Beef: For restaurant-style tender beef, coat the steak in a mixture of cornstarch, egg white, and water before cooking. This seals in moisture and keeps the meat juicy.

• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For the best sear on the steak, a hot cast-iron skillet or wok is ideal.

• Quick Cooking is Key: Overcooking the vegetables or steak can result in a less vibrant dish. Keep cooking time short and the heat high.

4. Storage and Meal Prep

• Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture and flavor.

• Freezing:

• This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately to maintain the texture of the vegetables and beef.

• Meal Prep Tips:

• Slice the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.

• Double the sauce recipe and store extra in the fridge for use in other dishes like stir-fries or fried rice.

5. Bonus Garnish and Presentation Ideas

• Crispy Topping: Add fried shallots or crispy garlic for an extra layer of texture.

• Vibrant Garnish: Sprinkle with finely chopped cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil for added flair.

• Serve in Style: Present the dish in a large serving bowl with a side of rice for a family-style meal.

With these additional ideas, you can customize your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions to suit your preferences or turn it into a show-stopping dinner for any occasion.

Enjoy this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions and impress your family or guests with your cooking skills!