Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender slices of beef with a savory sauce, stir-fried with bell peppers and onions. This dish is known for its bold flavors, with the combination of soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper creating a deliciously spicy and aromatic meal. It’s a quick, easy-to-make dish that brings together the rich umami of beef and the sweetness of vegetables, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat. When served sizzling hot, it’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight.
In this article, we will walk you through how to prepare this sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions from scratch. You’ll learn the essential ingredients and the step-by-step process to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients to ensure you have everything you need. Here are the key components of this dish:
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
For Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy nights when you’re craving something flavorful. Let’s walk through the steps to prepare your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
To get tender and flavorful beef, start by marinating the steak slices. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, beef broth, sugar (if using), and the remaining cornstarch. This will create a savory sauce that adds rich flavor to the beef and vegetables. Set the sauce aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch. You want to retain their freshness and color, so don’t overcook them.
Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. This will ensure they don’t get too soft while you cook the beef.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef to the skillet. Stir-fry the beef for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to spread the beef out in an even layer to get a nice sear. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly.
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Now that the beef is cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked bell peppers and onions back into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine the ingredients.
Next, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. As the sauce heats up, it will thicken due to the cornstarch. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and vegetables evenly and becomes glossy.
If you like it spicier, you can add more freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Chinese pepper steak with onions over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for added flavor and color.
For an extra sizzling presentation, you can serve the dish on a hot stone platter or sizzling plate, making it even more authentic.
Tips for the Perfect Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak
- Use the right cut of beef: Flank steak or sirloin steak works best for this dish, as they are tender and cook quickly. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it remains tender.
- Adjust the spice level: The recipe calls for freshly ground black pepper, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Add more pepper for a spicier dish, or use less if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add more vegetables: While the recipe calls for bell peppers and onions, you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- Make it gluten-free: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that the hoisin sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free.
- Make ahead: You can marinate the beef in advance to save time. Marinate it for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with OnionsConclusion
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for bold, flavorful stir-fry. With tender beef, savory sauce, and a nice balance of vegetables, this dish is a complete and satisfying meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare. Serve it up with steamed rice or noodles for a well-rounded dinner your whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.