Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender beef strips, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and heat. The sizzling presentation adds drama to the dish and enhances the overall dining experience. Perfect for a family meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• For the steak:
  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain into strips
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• For the sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• For the stir-fry:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
  • 1 large onion, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup (75g) sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1-2 fresh red chilies (optional, for extra heat), thinly sliced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or finely chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons scallions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Equipment:

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Sizzling plate (optional, for dramatic effect)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

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Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the steak

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
2. Toss the beef strips to coat them evenly with the marinade and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/2 cup beef broth (or water).
2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Add this to the sauce mixture and set it aside.

Step 3: Stir-fry the vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor) in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
3. Add the sliced chilies (if using), garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant and the garlic has softened.

Step 4: Cook the beef

1. Push the vegetables to one side of the wok or skillet and add the marinated beef to the other side. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes without stirring to allow it to sear.
2. Once the beef starts to brown, stir it with the vegetables to combine and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Add the sauce

1. Stir the prepared sauce into the wok or skillet with the beef and vegetables.
2. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables nicely.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer the sizzling Chinese pepper steak and vegetables to a hot serving dish or sizzling plate. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
2. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or fried rice.

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Notes:

1. Choosing the Beef: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe as it’s tender and easy to slice thinly. You can also use sirloin, rib-eye, or another cut of beef that cooks quickly and can be sliced thinly.
2. Vegetable Variations: While onions and bell peppers are traditional for pepper steak, you can add other vegetables such as snow peas, carrots, or baby corn for more texture and color.
3. Heat Level: The amount of heat in this dish can be adjusted by the amount of fresh red chilies or chili flakes you add. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the chilies or reduce the amount. On the other hand, for extra heat, use a few more chilies or a dash of chili sauce.
4. Serving Suggestions: This dish is best served with steamed white rice or fried rice, which will soak up the savory sauce. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or spring rolls for a complete meal.
5. Sizzling Plate: If you want to create a sizzling effect similar to what you might find in a restaurant, serve the dish on a hot, pre-heated sizzling plate. To do this, heat the plate in the oven or on the stovetop until it’s very hot (but not too hot to handle), and then carefully place the cooked beef and vegetables on the plate. The sizzling sound adds excitement to the presentation and keeps the dish warm longer.
6. Make-Ahead: The steak can be marinated a few hours in advance to enhance its flavor. If you plan to serve the dish later, store the cooked beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to bring the sauce back to life.

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Final Thoughts:

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a savory and aromatic dish that combines the best of stir-frying techniques with bold flavors. The tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich sauce come together to create a meal that is satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit!