Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a classic stir-fry dish that’s savory, satisfying, and loaded with the bold flavors of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions come together in a rich and aromatic sauce that’s perfect served over steamed rice or noodles. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some pro tips to help you create an authentic Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion in the comfort of your own kitchen.

 

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 12 ounces (340g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Set this sauce aside for later.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

1. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Let them sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to develop a nice sear on one side.
2. Flip the beef slices and sear the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes or until they are browned but still slightly pink in the center. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften and become fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Beef and Sauce

1. Return the seared beef to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to combine everything evenly.

Step 7: Add Beef Broth

1. Pour in the beef broth and stir well.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
2. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Serve

1. Remove the pan from the heat.
2. Serve your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

 

Pro Tips for Perfect Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion:

1. Thin Slicing: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
2. Hot Pan: Make sure your pan or wok is very hot before adding the beef. This helps achieve a good sear and prevents the meat from stewing.
3. Don’t Overcook: Be cautious not to overcook the beef. It should be tender and slightly pink in the center when you remove it from the pan, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
4. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize your stir-fry with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.
5. Serving Options: Serve with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic experience, or opt for noodles if you prefer.
6. Garnish: Freshly chopped green onions add a nice burst of color and flavor as a garnish.

 

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a delightful stir-fry that brings the essence of Chinese cuisine to your table. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare at home. Enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of this classic Chinese dish with your choice of rice or noodles, and savor each delicious bite.