Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Get ready for a sizzling, savory experience like no other! If you’ve ever had those sizzling plates served at your favorite Chinese restaurant, you know exactly how exciting it is when that plate arrives, hissing and popping with deliciousness. Now, you can recreate that same mouthwatering magic right in your kitchen with this recipe for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.

Tender slices of steak, stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, are drenched in a rich, flavorful sauce that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This dish combines all the savory goodness of your favorite Chinese takeout but is made in the comfort of your own home. The best part? It comes together quickly, and you can customize the heat level to suit your tastes!

Trust me, you’ll love this one. The sizzle, the sauce, the steak—it’s all just perfection!

Why You’ll Love Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Here’s why this dish should absolutely be on your radar:

Sizzling Goodness: The dish comes to life with that sizzling sound, which immediately makes it feel extra special. Plus, it smells amazing!

Tender Steak: The key to a great stir-fry is perfectly cooked steak. The beef is marinated and cooked quickly so that it’s tender and juicy, just how you want it.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a ton of complicated ingredients for this dish. Just a few key staples—soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and peppers—bring everything together into a rich, savory sauce.

Customizable Heat: Love a bit of spice? Add a kick of chili flakes or fresh peppers. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the heat to your liking.

Quick and Easy: This is a 30-minute meal that you can make even on a busy weeknight. It’s the perfect option when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal without all the fuss.

Ingredients for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Let’s break down what you’ll need for this flavorful dish:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced: The steak is the star of the show. Flank steak works perfectly because it’s flavorful and tender when cooked quickly. You can also use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a deep, salty flavor to marinate the beef.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and gives the sauce a velvety texture.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A hint of acidity that balances the richness of the sauce and beef.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a umami-packed depth of flavor to the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Helps balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For that nutty aroma and flavor that gives Chinese dishes their signature taste.

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: More color, more sweetness—totally makes the dish vibrant.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Sweet onions that caramelize beautifully, adding both sweetness and depth.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: To stir-fry the vegetables and steak.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrance and flavor to the stir-fry.
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated: A little ginger adds a fresh, zesty kick.
• 1/4 cup beef broth: Helps create the flavorful sauce that coats the steak and vegetables.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For that savory base that ties everything together.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A touch of tartness that balances the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives the dish a lovely, aromatic heat.
• Optional chili flakes or fresh chili slices: For added heat, if you like a spicy kick.
• Sesame seeds (for garnish): A little sprinkle adds texture and a nutty finish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some sizzling magic? Here’s how to whip up this delicious dish:

1. Marinate the Steak:

• In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is fully mixed in.
• Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade, ensuring it’s all coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to an hour if you have the time). This step helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor.

2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften but still have some crunch. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Cook the Steak:

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the marinated steak to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through.
• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce:

• Add the beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.

5. Combine and Sizzle:

• Return the cooked bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the steak and sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the steak and veggies are coated in the sauce.
• Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the sizzling pepper steak and onions immediately, garnished with sesame seeds (and extra chili if you want more heat). Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, or enjoy it as is for a low-carb option.

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 60mg
  Sodium: 1050mg
  Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
  Protein: 32g
  Vitamin A: 35%
  Vitamin C: 180%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 15%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This dish is absolutely delicious on its own, but it’s also great when paired with a few complementary sides:

With Steamed Rice: The savory sauce pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed white rice or brown rice. You can even try jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.

With Noodles: Stir-fried noodles or simple egg noodles make an excellent pairing with this dish, adding a satisfying texture to complement the tender steak and veggies.

With Vegetables: If you want to balance the richness of the dish, serve it with steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy for an added burst of greens.

As a Standalone: This is hearty enough to enjoy by itself, but if you want to keep things light, serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips

• Marinate Longer: If you have time, marinate the steak for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to infuse even deeper into the meat.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or even baby corn to make the dish even more vibrant and hearty.
• Adjust the Spice: You can make the dish spicier by adding extra chili flakes, sliced fresh chilies, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Spice lovers, rejoice!
• Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly for the best texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare the steak and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and cook when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A3: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in water and add it to the sauce. Stir it in and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or even extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the cooked pepper steak and veggies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the skillet when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q6: How can I add more crunch to the dish?
A6: If you like a bit of crunch, you can add some sliced water chestnuts, cashews, or even crunchy noodles as a topping.

Q7: Is this dish gluten-free?
A7: To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Q8: Can I serve this dish over noodles?
A8: Absolutely! Stir-fried egg noodles or rice noodles are great options to serve this dish over.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A9: Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or snap peas to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Q10: How do I make the steak even more tender?
A10: Marinate the steak for longer (up to 2 hours), and be sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Conclusion

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a dish that will have you hooked from the first sizzle. With tender steak, sweet peppers, and savory sauce, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s simple enough for any night of the week but impressive enough to serve to guests. So fire up your skillet, enjoy the sizzle, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!

Print