This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is a tasty mix of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and juicy onions, all cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce. It’s a feast for your eyes and your taste buds!
Who doesn’t love a dish that sizzles on the plate? It’s like a little party right at your table! I like to serve it over rice, so I can soak up all that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Flank steak is preferred for its flavorful and tender texture when cooked. If it’s hard to find, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken or tofu for a different protein option!
Bell Peppers: I like using both green and red bell peppers for the vibrant colors and flavors they bring. You can easily swap them with yellow or orange peppers, or if you need a lower-carb option, use zucchini or snap peas instead.
Onions: Sweet onions are great for this dish, but yellow onions work perfectly too. If you want a milder taste, you can use green onions instead, or even shallots if you’re feeling fancy!
Shaoxing Wine: This adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you can’t find it, substitute with dry sherry or even rice vinegar. For a non-alcoholic option, you can omit it or use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds a unique umami flavor. If you follow a vegetarian diet, try using mushroom sauce or a vegan oyster sauce available at some stores.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on the Steak?
Getting that beautiful sear on your steak is simple but requires some attention. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is really hot before adding oil—this prevents sticking.
- When adding the steak, spread it into a single layer in the pan to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Let the steak sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes. This helps form a nice brown crust. After it’s seared, you can flip or stir-fry it to finish cooking.
- Remove the steak before it’s fully cooked, as it will continue cooking in the sauce later.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, perfectly cooked pepper steak that sizzles on the plate! Serve it hot over rice or noodles and enjoy!
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 large onion, cut into thick wedges
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and marinating, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Steak:
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, black pepper, and sugar. Mix together well and allow the steak to marinate for at least 20 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
2. Preparing the Sauce:
While the steak is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, beef broth, and chili flakes (if you’re using them). Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cooking the Steak:
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring to achieve a nice brown crust. Then, stir-fry the steak for another minute until it’s mostly cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the onion wedges and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to soften. Next, add the bell peppers and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Bring the dish to a gentle simmer.
6. Thickening the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—this should take about 1 minute. Once thickened, turn off the heat.
7. Serving:
If you have a sizzling hot plate, transfer the dish to it for that restaurant-style presentation. Otherwise, serve immediately on warmed plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Enjoy your sizzling, savory Chinese Pepper Steak with onions served best over steamed white rice!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are traditional choices, feel free to substitute with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure all other sauces and ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure the dish stays compliant.
What Can I Serve with Sizzling Pepper Steak?
This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You could also serve it alongside a crisp salad or some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal!
