Chinese pepper steak with onions

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic and flavorful dish featuring tender slices of beef stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal to prepare, with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little kick of heat. Here’s how to make it at home!

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance the flavor)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. Thinly slice the flank steak (or your preferred cut of beef) against the grain into thin strips.
2. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes while you prepare the veggies. This helps tenderize the beef and infuses it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips.
2. Mince the garlic and ginger (if using).

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil if needed.
2. Add the onion and bell peppers, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
3. Add the garlic and ginger (if using) and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine the Sauce

1. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sugar to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
2. Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the sauce to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

1. Stir the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) into the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should only take about 1 minute.

Step 7: Combine Beef and Vegetables

1. Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss everything together, making sure the beef is evenly coated with the sauce and the vegetables are well combined.
2. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
2. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions hot, over a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.

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Tips & Variations:

• Tenderizing the beef: If you’re using a leaner cut of beef like sirloin, you can gently pound the meat with a meat mallet to help tenderize it before slicing it thinly.
• Add more vegetables: You can include mushrooms, snow peas, or carrots for extra flavor and color. Simply stir-fry them with the bell peppers and onions.
• Make it spicier: If you like your dish spicy, add sliced jalapeños, chili paste, or Sriracha sauce to the stir-fry for some heat.
• Sauce adjustments: Adjust the balance of the sauce to suit your taste. If you like a sweeter sauce, add more hoisin sauce; for a saltier sauce, add a bit more soy sauce.

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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s full of savory goodness. The tender beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce come together in just one pan, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Let me know if you want more ideas or adjustments! Enjoy your cooking!