Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and savory dish featuring tender strips of beef, crispy onions, and a deliciously spiced pepper sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner, served on a hot platter for a sizzling presentation!
Ingredients:
For the Beef and Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (for marinade)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper (more or less to taste)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 large onion, sliced thinly
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix well to coat the beef and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for better flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, and ground black pepper.
- In another bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to create a slurry.
- Set both the sauce mixture and cornstarch slurry aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it is just cooked through and browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften and become slightly caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine the Beef and Sauce:
- Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, and add the cornstarch slurry. Stir well and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve:
- Serve the sizzling Chinese pepper steak hot, on a heated platter if desired, to create the sizzle effect.
- Garnish with extra ground black pepper if desired and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips:
- For a hotter version, you can add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.
- If you prefer more tender beef, you can use flank steak or sirloin, as both are great choices for stir-frying.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine) to the marinade or sauce.
Enjoy:
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions offers a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and peppery flavors, with a deliciously tender beef texture. The combination of vegetables, beef, and the thick sauce makes this dish a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the sizzle and the taste!