Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a deliciously savory dish that features tender slices of beef in a flavorful sauce, combined with crisp peppers and onions. The sizzle adds an exciting touch to the meal, making it perfect for a Chinese-style feast at home. Here’s how to make it:
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin, thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (green or red)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tbsp green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Slice the flank steak (or sirloin) thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips. This helps the beef remain tender.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice wine (or dry sherry), cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes) while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, beef broth (or water), and white pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce later. Set both bowls aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using) to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the beef is cooked through and slightly browned. Be careful not to overcook the beef.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef.
- Stir in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well coated in the sauce.
6. Serve:
- Serve the sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions immediately, garnished with sliced green onions (if desired). You can serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Beef Choices: Flank steak is a great option for stir-frying, but you can also use sirloin or rib-eye steak for a richer flavor.
- Extra Heat: If you like a bit of spice, you can add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce to the stir-fry.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have available — baby corn, snap peas, or even broccoli would work great in this dish!
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress your family or guests. Enjoy! Let me know if you’d like any more variations or tips.