Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic stir-fry dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, tender beef, and a savory-sweet sauce. Here’s how to make it at home:
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 large onion, sliced into strips
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1-2 fresh chili peppers, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Steak:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water or beef broth. Set aside.
- Cook the Steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated steak in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and chili peppers (if using), and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the steak to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce.
- Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until the steak is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve:
- Transfer the pepper steak to a serving plate.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips:
- Thinly Slice the Beef: For the most tender results, slice the beef thinly against the grain and marinate it with cornstarch.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying over high heat ensures the beef stays tender and the vegetables retain their crunch.
- Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of chili peppers or add a dash of chili oil for extra spice.
This dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a taste of Chinese takeout at home! Enjoy!
