Bring restaurant-style flavors to your table with this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe. This classic dish combines tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and onions coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Vegetables
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced into thin wedges
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper for the marinade. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves completely and set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Toss in the bell peppers and onions, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well. Let the dish simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and vegetables evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish, garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Notes
- Slice Thinly: To ensure tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain. Slightly freezing the steak for 15-20 minutes makes slicing easier.
- High Heat: Stir-frying over high heat ensures the beef sears nicely without overcooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for more variety in texture and flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add sliced chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to reduce the sodium content.
- Chicken or Pork: Swap the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a different protein option.
Keto Version
To make this dish keto-friendly:
- Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol instead of sugar.
- Replace cornstarch with xanthan gum for thickening.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of steamed rice.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb variation:
- Use low-carb hoisin sauce or omit it entirely.
- Reduce the amount of onions to lower the natural sugar content.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried cabbage or broccoli instead of traditional noodles or rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, other tender cuts like skirt steak, ribeye, or tenderloin work well. Just make sure to slice them thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to freeze the cooked beef and vegetables without the sauce, as the sauce may change in texture after thawing. Add the sauce fresh when reheating.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and loved by all. Whether you stick to the classic recipe, spice it up, or adapt it for a keto or low-carb diet, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Chinese cuisine!
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