Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Table of content
Table of Contents
why make this recipe
Craving the bold, savory flavors of a Chinese takeout favorite but want it faster and fresher? Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is your answer. This iconic stir-fry delivers restaurant-quality excitement in under 30 minutes, featuring tender strips of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp onions all tossed in a glossy, umami-rich sauce. The key to success lies not in complex ingredients, but in mastering the stir-fry technique: high heat, quick cooking, and a perfectly balanced sauce. This recipe, perfected by david alan, guides you through velvetizing the beef for supreme tenderness and building a sauce that clings beautifully to every ingredient. Get ready to create a Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak that rivals your favorite restaurant, right from your own wok.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye) Use tender cuts for best results.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For marinating.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) Skip if desired.
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) Can be substituted.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
For the main dish
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil For sautéing the onions.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For searing the beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips into the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking the Onions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Searing the Beef
- In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and let it simmer until it thickens.
Combining & Serving
- Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Nutrition
how to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp (15g) vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Steak: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips into the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and let it simmer until it thickens.
- Combine & Serve: Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
The Signature Sauce
The Base: A combination of soy sauce (or tamari) and oyster sauce provides deep savory flavor (umami).
The Balance: A touch of brown sugar or honey adds subtle sweetness, while rice vinegar or sherry provides a hint of acidity to brighten the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak sauce.
The Thickener: A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) is added at the end, transforming the liquid into a glossy, clinging sauce. For another quick, flavorful beef stir-fry, explore our Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks.
how to serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Serve the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions hot, straight from the skillet. Place a generous portion over bowls of steamed rice or noodles. You can garnish it with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, allowing everyone to relish the fresh flavors.
how to store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it for a quick meal.
tips to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- For extra tenderness, you can pound the beef strips with a meat mallet before marinating.
- Be sure to use high heat when searing the beef to get a nice browning.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting beef strips with firm tofu or seitan. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tofu will take less time to cook.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or pork instead of beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can skip it or use a bit more soy sauce or hoisin sauce for added flavor.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! You can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce to give the dish some heat.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! Broccoli florets, snap peas, sliced carrots (blanched first), or mushrooms would be excellent additions. Add harder vegetables earlier in the cooking process.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Takeout Fakeout
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe empowers you to create a fast, flavorful, and healthy meal that surpasses any delivery. It’s a masterclass in the stir-fry technique that you can apply to countless other dishes. Once you experience the joy of a perfectly executed stir-fry—with tender beef, crisp veggies, and that glossy, savory sauce—you’ll understand why this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation. in the end this is our pinterest account for more ideas.