Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful, savory dish that combines tender beef, aromatic onions, and a bold peppery sauce. The sizzling effect when served adds an extra touch of excitement to this delicious meal! This dish is a great way to bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine into your home.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
For the Stir-fry Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil (for frying)
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
- 1-2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (green or red)
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers (optional, for extra heat), sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
For Garnish:
- Green onions (scallions), sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
- Prepare the steak: Slice the steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine (optional), sesame oil, and white pepper. Add the steak and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse the flavors.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and water. Add the cornstarch and mix until well combined. This will create a thick, savory sauce for the beef and vegetables.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños (if using), and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften but still retain their crunch.
- Add the garlic and black pepper, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and increase the heat to high.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer, making sure it’s not crowded (you may need to do this in batches). Let the beef sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s browned and just cooked through.
- Once the beef is cooked, return the vegetables to the pan and pour the stir-fry sauce over the mixture.
- Stir everything together, coating the beef and vegetables in the sauce, and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
5. Sizzle the Steak (Optional but Fun!):
- For the sizzling effect, you can serve this on a hot sizzling plate if you have one (these can be found in many Asian grocery stores). Preheat the sizzling plate on a burner or in the oven, and once it’s very hot, carefully place the beef mixture on the plate.
- The sizzling sound will create an exciting effect, and you can serve it immediately to your guests with a side of rice or noodles.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the pepper steak with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Tips:
- Tenderizing the beef: If you want extra tender beef, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound the steak slices before marinating. This will help break down the fibers.
- Adjusting the spice level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more jalapeños or fresh chili peppers. You can also drizzle some chili oil over the top for a kick.
- Make ahead: The beef and stir-fry sauce can be prepped ahead of time. Just marinate the beef and store it in the fridge, and make the sauce in advance. When ready, simply stir-fry everything together.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and bold, peppery sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners. Enjoy the sizzling excitement and the delicious flavors!