Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe

Quick & Zesty Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering chinese pepper steak demands creativity and passion in the kitchen.

Beef slices marinated in robust seasonings promise an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender strips of meat complement crisp onions, creating a harmony of textures.

Savory notes blend with subtle spices, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish with just a few simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this delectable steak preparation.

Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this irresistible recipe that brings authentic Asian cuisine right to your dinner plate.

Why Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Is a Crowd Pleaser

  • Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with bold Asian-inspired tastes that transform a simple meal into a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques.
  • Master Quick Cooking: This stir-fry method ensures perfectly cooked tender beef and crisp vegetables in just minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight meals.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and family tastes.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward preparation mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious, satisfying meal together.

Ingredients Needed for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Meat:
  • Steak: Tender cut of beef sliced thinly for quick and even cooking.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Garlic, Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty umami base for the sauce.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy complexity to the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and helps create a smooth sauce.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to thicken and glossify the sauce.
Cooking and Finishing Oils:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for high-heat stir-frying.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic finish to the dish.
Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper: Provides a mild heat and sharp flavor.
Optional Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh flavor to the final dish.

How to Prepare Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

Grab a small bowl and blend soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth. Give it a quick mix and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in some vegetable oil and toss in the sliced steak. Stir-fry the meat for 3-4 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Scoop out the beef and set it on a plate temporarily.

Step 3: Dance with the Vegetables

In the same sizzling skillet, add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers

Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for 3-5 minutes. You want them tender but still maintaining a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Reunite and Sauce

Bring the browned beef back to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Let everything simmer and mingle for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to become gloriously thick and glossy.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and sprinkle black pepper to your heart’s content. Give it a final gentle stir.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your pepper steak over steamed rice. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Dive in while it’s hot and savor every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Slice Meat Smartly: Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite remains juicy and tender.
  • Choose Right Beef Cut: Select sirloin or flank steak with minimal fat for quick cooking and better texture in stir-fry dishes.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect sear without burning meat or vegetables, keeping ingredients vibrant and crisp.
  • Prep Ingredients Beforehand: Chop all vegetables and measure sauce ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and prevent overcooking.
  • Quick Sauce Thickening: Mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to hot skillet to prevent lumps and create smooth, glossy sauce consistency.

Variation Suggestions for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, sliced and pressed to remove excess moisture. Marinate protein in soy sauce before stir-frying for enhanced flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap steamed rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative. Maintain all original spices and protein preparation techniques.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Adaptation: Add gochujang paste to sauce mixture for extra heat. Include sliced green onions and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty Korean-style interpretation.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder to ensure gluten-free compatibility while maintaining sauce thickness.

Pairing Ideas for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, savory flavors of the pepper steak, balancing the soy and hoisin sauce's intensity.
  • Complement with Jasmine Rice: Serve the steak over fluffy jasmine rice to absorb the delicious sauce, creating a perfect texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Match with Refreshing Asian Beer: Choose a light lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo to cleanse the palate and provide a cool contrast to the warm, spicy pepper steak.
  • Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumber or daikon radish to introduce a tangy, crunchy element that cuts through the meat's richness and adds brightness to the meal.

Storage Advice for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Frozen meals preserve best when sealed completely.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures food safety and maintains meat tenderness.
  • Place pepper steak in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • What gives this pepper steak its authentic Chinese flavor?

The combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce creates a rich, savory taste that’s typical in Chinese stir-fry dishes, providing depth and umami to the meat and vegetables.

  • How do I ensure the steak stays tender when cooking?

Quickly stir-frying the beef over high heat and not overcooking it helps maintain tenderness. Remove the steak from the pan after initial browning and return it only at the end to prevent toughening.

  • Can I use different types of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. The key is to slice the meat thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easy chewing.

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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 15-17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pepper Steak sings with bold Chinese flavors, promising a quick, restaurant-worthy meal. Juicy beef strips dance with sweet onions, delivering a savory experience that brings comfort and excitement to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) flank steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Serving:

  • Cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth in a small mixing container, creating a smooth, glossy marinade. Let the mixture rest while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Ignite a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, pouring in vegetable oil until shimmering. Introduce sliced steak, rapidly stirring for 3-4 minutes until exterior develops a rich, caramelized brown crust. Transfer cooked meat to a separate plate.
  3. Within the same sizzling skillet, tumble minced garlic, sliced onions, and colorful bell peppers. Toss vigorously for 3-5 minutes, ensuring vegetables maintain a vibrant crunch and slight translucency.
  4. Reunite previously seared steak with the aromatic vegetable medley, gently pouring prepared sauce mixture over the contents. Allow ingredients to meld and sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Elevate flavor profile by drizzling fragrant sesame oil and sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper across the dish.
  6. Transfer piping hot pepper steak onto a bed of steamed rice, optionally adorning with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for additional visual and textural appeal.

Notes

  • Slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • Keep vegetables crisp by stir-frying quickly over high heat, maintaining their vibrant colors and nutritional value.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and create a healthier version of this classic stir-fry.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch-free thickening alternatives like arrowroot powder.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: SautĂ©ing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 245 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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