Spicy Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe – Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering chinese pepper steak takes skill and passion that will make your dinner guests swoon.

Tender beef strips dance with vibrant bell peppers in a savory sauce that promises pure comfort.

Crisp onions add depth and texture to this classic Asian-inspired dish.

Fresh ingredients become magic when combined with simple techniques that unlock incredible flavors.

Spices blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exciting.

Cooking this recipe lets you transport your kitchen into a world of delicious adventure.

Each bite promises a culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions – A Flavor Explosion

• Boost Flavor Fast: Marinating beef in a savory sauce blend creates deep, rich taste sensations that elevate this classic Chinese dish beyond ordinary meals.
• Master Quick Cooking: Stir-frying technique allows you to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in minimal preparation time, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Customize Your Plate: Flexible recipe lets you adjust vegetable combinations, spice levels, and protein choices, making it ideal for family dinners or satisfying diverse taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with a single skillet or wok means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delectable meal with loved ones.

Ingredients to Bring This Pepper Steak to Life

• Beef Slices: A tender cut of meat that becomes flavorful and juicy when marinated and quickly seared.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Provide a rich, savory depth of flavor to the meat and sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy complexity to the overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Offers a warm, spicy kick to enhance the meat's flavor.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Provide a sweet and crunchy texture that complements the beef.
• Garlic, Ginger: Create a fragrant base that adds depth and traditional Chinese flavor to the dish.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional garnishes that add freshness and a subtle crunch.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures proper searing and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Steamed Rice or Noodles: Perfect base for serving the pepper steak.

How to Cook the Perfect Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak

Step 1: Blend Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil

Massage the marinade into beef slices, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Let the meat soak up those delicious flavors for 15-30 minutes.

Step 2: Craft Silky Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch slurry

Set this magical sauce mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

Fire up a large skillet or wok over high heat.

Splash in vegetable oil and toss in onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry these colorful gems for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly crisp.

Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sear Succulent Beef

Add remaining oil to the hot skillet.

Carefully place marinated beef slices in a single layer. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes to lock in those mouthwatering juices.

Quickly stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet.

Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring enthusiastically for 2-3 minutes. Watch as the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating that hugs every morsel.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve this sizzling masterpiece over steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or a shower of sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.

Pro Tips for Tender Steak and Flavorful Onions

• Marinate beef longer for deeper flavor infusion, ensuring each slice absorbs the delicious sauce completely.
• Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for tender, quick-cooking meat that stays juicy during high-heat stir-frying.
• Keep vegetables crisp by stir-frying on high heat for minimal time, maintaining their vibrant colors and nutritional value.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry, creating your preferred consistency for coating ingredients perfectly.
• try chicken, tofu, or shrimp as delicious alternatives to beef while keeping the same exciting flavor profile.

Variations to Customize Your Pepper Steak Experience

• Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, pressing and marinating to absorb flavors. Use same cooking technique for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Sichuan Adaptation: Add chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes for an intense, fiery version with authentic Chinese regional heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder, and ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Pairing Ideas to Complement the Bold Flavors

• Pair with Zesty Riesling: Choose a slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the pepper steak's spicy and savory notes, cutting through the rich beef flavors while complementing the dish's complexity.
• Enhance with Crisp Slaw: Create a tangy Asian-inspired coleslaw with rice vinegar, julienned cabbage, and a hint of sesame oil to provide a refreshing contrast to the steak's robust profile.
• Match with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Prepare a light jasmine rice pilaf with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, which will absorb the pepper steak's delicious sauce while adding textural variation.
• Complement with Green Tea: Brew a hot green tea to cleanse the palate between bites, its subtle earthiness highlighting the dish's umami and pepper undertones without overwhelming the meal's intricate flavors.

How to Store Pepper Steak and Keep It Tasty

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place pepper steak in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot.

Warm pepper steak in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.

FAQs

• Why marinate the beef before cooking?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavors, and create a more delicious result. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil adds depth and helps break down the meat fibers.

• Can I use different types of beef?

Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin. Just ensure the beef is sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and easy chewing.

• How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Cook the beef quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking. Searing at high temperature for short periods keeps the meat juicy and prevents it from becoming chewy or dry.

Fiery Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Hearty Chinese pepper steak delivers bold flavors with tender beef slices dancing through spicy, caramelized onions. Savory marinades and quick wok techniques bring restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef sirloin or flank steak

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger

Marinade and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Whisk together a zesty marinade using soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil, ensuring smooth blending of ingredients.
2. Submerge beef slices completely in the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly, and let rest for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Prepare a secondary sauce by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl, setting aside for later use.
4. Ignite a large skillet or wok over high heat, adding vegetable oil to create an intense cooking surface.
5. Rapidly stir-fry onions and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly crisp and vibrant, then transfer to a holding plate.
6. Introduce additional oil to the scorching skillet and carefully place marinated beef slices in a single layer.
7. Sear beef for 1-2 minutes on each side, creating a caramelized exterior while maintaining tenderness.
8. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds to release aromatic compounds.
9. Reintroduce reserved vegetables to the skillet, combining with seared beef.
10. Pour prepared sauce over the mixture, vigorously stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and uniformly coats ingredients.
11. Transfer sizzling pepper steak to a serving platter over steamed rice or noodles.
12. Optionally garnish with fresh green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Boost marinade flavor by puncturing beef slices with fork to help seasonings penetrate deeper.
• Choose high-quality, thinly sliced beef like sirloin or flank steak for tender, quick-cooking results.
• Use extremely hot wok or skillet to achieve authentic wok-hei charred exterior without overcooking meat.
• Adapt recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari and using cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg