Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. The tender slices of flank steak, crunchy bell peppers, and aromatic onions are cooked together in a flavorful sauce that’s easy to make yet so impressive. What makes this dish special is its speed—ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, but delicious enough to serve at a dinner party. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce creates a rich umami flavor, while the addition of honey and rice vinegar balances the taste with sweetness and tang.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Here’s how this dish comes together in just a few simple steps:

  1. Marinate the Steak: Combine the flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let the steak marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Sauté the bell peppers and onions in a hot skillet with some vegetable oil. Stir-fry for just a few minutes, keeping them crisp, and set aside.
  3. Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, sear the marinated steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until it develops a golden-brown crust.
  4. Combine Everything: Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, then return the veggies and steak. Stir in water, rice vinegar, and honey, and let everything simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Serve the sizzling steak and veggies over steamed rice or noodles, topped with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Marinate the Steak: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Toss until the steak is evenly coated and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, just until the veggies are slightly softened but still crunchy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sear the marinated steak in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak and set it aside.
  4. Combine Everything: Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. Return the cooked veggies and steak to the pan. Stir in water, rice vinegar, and honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak

This dish is perfect when paired with:

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its fluffiness complements the savory sauce.
  • Stir-Fried Noodles: Toss noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil for a great base.
  • Garlic Broccoli: Steamed broccoli with garlic makes for a simple and healthy side.

How to Store

  • Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore the sauce’s consistency.
  • Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for the Best Chinese Pepper Steak

  • Thinly Slice the Steak: Cutting against the grain ensures the steak is tender and easy to chew.
  • Cook Over High Heat: Stir-frying at high heat gives the steak and veggies a beautiful sear without making them soggy.
  • Don’t Overcook the Veggies: To keep them crunchy, don’t stir-fry them too long.

Variations

  • Chicken or Tofu: You can substitute the steak with chicken breast or tofu for a lighter version of this dish.
  • Spicy Version: For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices.
  • Vegetarian Option: Add more veggies like snap peas or mushrooms, or swap the beef with a plant-based protein.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the marinated steak and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry when ready to serve.

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s tender when thinly sliced, but you can also use skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives.

How do I prevent my veggies from getting soggy?

Cook the veggies over high heat for a short time to keep them crisp. Avoid overcooking them.

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and delicious meal that will become a family favorite. With its tender steak, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to impress on any occasion!

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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions


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  • Author: carlosramirez
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: None

Description

A quick and delicious dish featuring tender flank steak, crunchy bell peppers, and aromatic onions, cooked in a savory-sweet sauce.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steak: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Toss until the steak is evenly coated and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, just until the veggies are slightly softened but still crunchy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sear the marinated steak in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak and set it aside.
  4. Combine Everything: Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute. Return the cooked veggies and steak to the pan. Stir in water, rice vinegar, and honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

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