Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful, quick, and easy stir-fry dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender strips of beef are seared with bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly spicy sauce, delivering a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Add the sliced flank steak, tossing well to coat.
- Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add onions and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add bell peppers and continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes.
- Transfer vegetables to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Everything:
- Return the stir-fried onions and peppers to the skillet.
- Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and beef broth.
- Bring to a simmer and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings:
- 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Sugar: 6g
Tips & Notes:
- Choosing the Beef: Flank steak or skirt steak works best due to its tenderness when thinly sliced against the grain.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
Benefits:
- High in Protein: Great for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers provide Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Balanced Meal: Contains a good mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs (if served with rice or noodles).
Q & A:
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes! Sirloin or ribeye also work well for this recipe. Just make sure to slice thinly for quick cooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, the marinated beef can be prepped up to a day in advance. The cooked dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the beef from becoming tough.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles are perfect accompaniments. A side of steamed veggies or an Asian salad would also complement the dish nicely.
Give this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions a try, and enjoy a delicious, homemade takeout experience! If you have more questions or need variations, let me know!