Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a tasty and easy dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Made with thinly sliced beef, bright bell peppers, and savory sauce, this meal is packed with deliciousness. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you're craving something flavorful and comforting.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves stir-fry. It's quick to prepare, doesn’t require many ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste. You'll enjoy the tender steak, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that brings everything together. Plus, cooking this dish at home is a healthier choice than takeout!

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

2 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced into thin strips
1 large onion, sliced into thin wedges
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup beef broth or water
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Directions:

Marinate the Steak:

In a bowl, mix the sliced steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss well to coat.
Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat.

Prepare the Sauce: 3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth (or water), oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want some spice). Set this sauce aside.

Cook the Steak: 4. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. 5. Add the marinated steak slices in one layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are browned but not completely cooked. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables: 6. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. 7. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crispy. 8. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until they smell nice.

Combine and Cook: 9. Put the cooked steak back into the skillet with the vegetables. 10. Pour the sauce over everything. Stir it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and covers the steak and veggies.

Serve: 11. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy this flavorful dish with rice or noodles!

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

You can serve this pepper steak with white or brown rice, or even noodles. These side dishes soak up the tasty sauce and complete the meal. Add some steamed vegetables for even more color and nutrition!

How to Store Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

If you have leftover pepper steak, let it cool and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in a skillet until it's heated through.

Tips to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Make sure to slice your steak against the grain for tenderness.
Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and crunch.
Adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste; add more spice if you like it hot!

Variation (If Any)

You can use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option. Also, feel free to try other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas in place of bell peppers.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen steak? It's best to use fresh steak for this recipe. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely before slicing and marinating.

2. What if I don’t have oyster sauce? You can leave it out or replace it with additional soy sauce for a similar flavor.

3. Is this dish spicy? It can be! You can adjust the red pepper flakes to make it more or less spicy based on your preference.