Name: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 2 tbsp green onions, chopped

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and quick dish that brings the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet to your dinner table. Tender slices of beef are seared to perfection and then tossed with colorful bell peppers and onions, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also vibrant. This classic Chinese dish is the perfect choice for a satisfying and speedy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced

2 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 large onion, sliced

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

For the sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tbsp sugar

1/4 cup water

Optional garnish:

1 tsp sesame seeds

2 tbsp green onions, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while I prepare the vegetables and sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Set this aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Once done, remove and set aside.

Add the remaining sesame oil to the skillet. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Return the steak to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat the steak and vegetables. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some variations you can try:

Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.

Spicy: Add some chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to give the dish a spicy kick.

Extra Veggies: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for more variety and texture.

Different Sauces: Swap the oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor, or try adding a bit of sesame paste for a richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I usually microwave it for a minute or two, or I can warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, I’ll add a splash of water or soy sauce while reheating to loosen it up.

Related Recipes:

Chinese Orange Chicken

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin is ideal, you can substitute it with ribeye, tenderloin, or even skirt steak. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly for the best texture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using it to coat the steak and veggies.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the vegetables can lose their texture. However, you can freeze the beef and sauce separately, and then reheat and add fresh vegetables when you’re ready to serve.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce, and make sure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Of course! If I prefer a sweeter sauce, I can add a little more sugar. If I like it less sweet, I can reduce the sugar slightly. It’s all about personal preference.

Conclusion

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights when I want something both flavorful and simple. With a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, it’s a dish I always look forward to making. Whether I serve it over rice or noodles, it never fails to impress!

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