Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant flavors and mouthwatering textures of this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of tender, juicy steak slices perfectly seared and tossed together with crisp bell peppers and sweet onions in a flavorful sauce that strikes the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with an easy yet elegant stir-fry, this dish promises to delight with every sizzling bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable taste experience. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tender steak to the aromatic garlic and the colorful bell peppers that add that perfect pop of crunch and sweetness.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced: Choose a tender cut for the best texture and speedy cooking time.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: This helps create a light coating for the steak, ensuring a beautiful, slightly crispy sear.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a rich umami base, enhancing the meat’s flavor right from the marinade.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Gives the dish a fragrant nuttiness that’s signature in many Chinese stir-fries.
- 1 large onion, sliced: Brings sweetness and a subtle bite that perfectly balances the meat.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds color, crunch, and a sweet, fresh flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers a slight bitterness and bright green color to contrast with the red pepper.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential for depth in the sauce.
- 1 tsp ginger, minced: Adds warmth and a touch of zest to elevate the dish’s complexity.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: For the savory sauce that coats the steak and veggies beautifully.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Delivers a sweet and salty depth that lifts the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Balances out the richness with a pleasant tang.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Infuses a subtle sweetness and richness to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Enhances the savory notes and creates a harmonious balance.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to thin out the sauce just enough for even coverage.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds: A final touch for crunch and toasty flavor.
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, mild onion bite and color.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak in cornstarch and soy sauce. This simple step is a game changer, allowing the cornstarch to create that coveted light crust while the soy sauce infuses savory flavor deep into the meat. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients, so the meat gets nice and flavorful upfront.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. This combo is where the magic starts to develop — balancing sweet, salty, tangy, and umami notes that will bring all your ingredients to life when you combine everything in the skillet.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the marinated steak and sear it quickly for 2 to 3 minutes per side until it gets a rich, golden brown color. This fast searing seals in the juices and adds a wonderful caramelized flavor. Once browned, remove the steak and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining sesame oil and toss in the onions, red and green bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly but still hold a gratifying crunch. These vibrant vegetables bring that signature freshness and a delightful contrast to the tender steak.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the steak to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Stir everything together to coat the meat and veggies in that luscious sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully, clinging to every piece and uniting all the flavors.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe Final Touches
Finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions over your creation for a pop of texture and fresh flavor that ties the dish together perfectly. Now, your home is filled with the irresistible aroma of this classic stir-fry!
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish isn’t just for show — these elements give a lovely crunch and vibrant freshness, elevating your dish’s overall appeal. Don’t hesitate to add a bit of freshly ground black pepper too if you want a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every drop of that savory sauce. For a lower-carb option, try serving over cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal. A side of steamed bok choy or garlic green beans can add an extra burst of green and texture to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sizzling steak and veggies over warm lettuce cups to create handheld bites packed with flavor. You could also pile the stir-fry atop crispy wonton chips or even turn the mixture into a flavorful filling for steamed buns. The possibilities are endless with this adaptable Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more when refrigerated, making for delicious next-day meals with minimal effort.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if sealed properly in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure it cools completely before freezing and consume within 2 months for optimal taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the steak’s tenderness and keep the vegetables crisp. Microwaving is quick but can sometimes make the veggies a bit soggy. A splash of water or soy sauce during reheating can help refresh the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use skirt steak or even ribeye if you prefer a bit more marbling. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce or hoisin sauce?
If you’re missing oyster or hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of honey or molasses for sweetness, plus a small dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. The flavor profile will shift slightly but still be delicious.
How spicy is the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe?
This recipe is mild with no added chili peppers. If you like heat, feel free to toss in some sliced fresh chilies or a sprinkle of chili flakes during the vegetable sauté step to kick things up.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace the beef with firm tofu or seitan, and swap oyster sauce with a vegan mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce. The vibrant peppers, onions, and ginger will still shine through spectacularly.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
Always slice the steak thinly and against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers, which ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew rather than chewy or tough.
Final Thoughts
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is a standout dish that combines freshness, texture, and bold flavor in a way that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. It’s approachable enough for any night but impressive enough to share with guests. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this sizzling stir-fry your own — your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender flank steak marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch, seared to perfection, then combined with crisp onions and colorful bell peppers in a vibrant savory sauce. This 30-minute recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a delightful meal perfect over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Meat and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
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
Oils and Garnish
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 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. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce. This step helps tenderize the meat and allows the flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside; this will be added later to create a rich, tangy coating for the steak and vegetables.
- 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 it for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté the sliced onions, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly softened but retain a pleasant crispness.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and melds the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish. Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot over steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best texture, slice the steak thinly across the grain.
- Adjust the sugar in the sauce to taste if you prefer it less sweet.
- Use a wok if available for optimal heat distribution when stir-frying.
- Cook vegetables just until crisp-tender to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its sizzling best.
