Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Description:

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry dish that brings the bold taste of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. Tender strips of beef are marinated and quickly seared with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a savory sauce that balances salty, sweet, and umami flavors. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a special dinner. Serve it hot over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry)
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).

2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

3. Cook the Beef:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring to get a good sear.
3. Stir-fry until the beef is just cooked through (about 2-3 more minutes).

4. Combine and Sauce:

1. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan.
3. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce.
4. Stir in the beef broth or water.
5. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
6. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

1. Transfer the sizzling pepper steak to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions.
3. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Notes:

• Cutting the Beef: For tender meat, make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain.
• Peppers: Feel free to use a variety of bell peppers for more color and flavor.
• Sauce Adjustments: Adjust the soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste depending on your salt preference.

Tips:

• High Heat is Key: Stir-fry on high heat to maintain the crispiness of the vegetables and to sear the beef properly.
• Prep Everything Beforehand: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready as stir-frying goes quickly.
• Tenderizing the Beef: Marinating with cornstarch and soy sauce helps to tenderize the meat.

Servings:

• Serves 4 as a main dish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Supports muscle repair and growth.
• High in Vitamins: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Low Carb Option: Suitable for low-carb diets if served without rice.
• Balanced Nutrients: Contains a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work well as a substitute.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Q: Can I make this dish spicier?
A: Yes! Add sliced chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other sauces are gluten-free.

Enjoy this delightful Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, bursting with flavor and sizzling goodness. It’s quick to prepare and sure to please everyone at the dinner table!