Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions: A Flavorful Stir-Fry with Tender Beef
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor? Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect choice. This dish features tender beef stir-fried with bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory, flavorful sauce. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness creates a mouthwatering stir-fry that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Tender and Juicy Beef: Thinly sliced beef that’s tender and juicy, stir-fried to perfection.
- Packed with Flavor: The savory sauce with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar brings the flavors together beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend dinner.
- Healthy and Colorful: The bell peppers and onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of color, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients
for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
To make this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin steak), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (for flavor, optional)
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain into strips. This helps ensure that the beef is tender. If you find the steak hard to slice, you can freeze it for about 15 minutes to make slicing easier.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the thinly sliced steak and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ground black pepper, and water. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in the water before adding it to the sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the beef is cooked, add the cooked vegetables back into the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine and coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is evenly coated. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle the dish with a bit of sesame oil for extra flavor (optional). Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Tenderizing the Beef: Flank steak is a great cut for stir-fries, but if you want extra tenderness, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little water for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like your dish spicier, add a few sliced chilies or a dash of chili sauce to the stir-fry for some extra kick.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Use a Wok: If you have a wok, it’s perfect for stir-frying. The high heat and wide surface allow the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, you can use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best texture.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While stir-fry dishes are best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the vegetables ahead of time. Store the components separately in the fridge and stir-fry when you’re ready to eat.
Q: How do I make this dish spicier?
A: Add sliced jalapenos, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry for some heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Q: Can I use a different sauce instead of oyster sauce?
A: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Conclusion
This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a savory, flavorful stir-fry that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce makes it a dish the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a delicious homemade Chinese-style meal in no time. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy