Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Introduction

Chinese pepper steak with onions is a savory, flavorful dish that perfectly blends tender beef with crisp bell peppers and onions in a rich, umami-packed sauce. This classic stir-fry is a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine, offering a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors.

Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also makes an excellent weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress family and friends. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dish that will become a staple in your home kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade:

  • 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

For Stir-Frying:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (preferably one green and one red), sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • ½ cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Cooked rice or noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar.
  3. Add the beef to the marinade, mixing well to coat each piece.
  4. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Slice the onions and bell peppers into thin strips.
  2. Mince the garlic and ginger.
  3. Keep all ingredients uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Cornstarch Slurry

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in ½ cup of water.
  2. Stir well to create a smooth mixture.
  3. Set it aside—this will help thicken the sauce later.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated beef in batches, ensuring the pieces don’t overcrowd the pan.
  3. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides.
  4. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
  2. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
  3. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. The garlic and ginger will release their fragrant aroma, enhancing the dish.

Step 6: Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables.
  2. Stir to mix everything together.
  3. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir well to coat the ingredients.
  4. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the beef and vegetables.

Step 7: Final Adjustments & Serving

  1. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  2. The sauce should be slightly thick and glossy, clinging to the beef and vegetables.
  3. If the sauce is too thin, cook for another minute until it thickens further.
  4. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

  • Tender Beef: Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Marinating also enhances texture and flavor.
  • Perfect Stir-Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the beef to ensure even browning instead of steaming.
  • Balanced Texture: Cook vegetables until just tender—not too soft—to retain their natural crunch.
  • Thickening the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry constantly when adding it to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce.
  • Customizations:
    • Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for extra heat.
    • Swap orange or yellow bell peppers for a different flavor and color.
    • Stir in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for extra vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chilies for an extra kick.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze pepper steak?

Yes! Cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

4. What other cuts of beef work well?

Flank steak and sirloin are ideal, but ribeye or skirt steak can also be used for a more tender result.

5. Can I use a different thickener instead of cornstarch?

Yes! Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as a substitute.

Conclusion

Chinese pepper steak with onions is a flavor-packed, quick, and easy dish that brings together tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a deliciously savory sauce.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a special meal, this stir-fry is easily customizable to suit different spice levels and ingredient preferences. Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a satisfying and well-balanced dish.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the bold flavors of homemade Chinese pepper steak!

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