Excellent choice! 🥩🌶️ Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic takeout favorite — tender beef strips seared with crisp bell peppers and sweet onions in a savory, garlicky brown sauce. It’s quick to make and absolutely delicious served over rice or noodles.
🥢 Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Beef:
-
1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil
-
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
-
½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
-
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
1 tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
¾ cup beef broth (or water)
-
1 tsp sugar
-
2 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
-
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
For Stir-Frying:
-
2 tbsp vegetable oil
-
2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
-
1 large onion, sliced into wedges
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
-
In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
-
Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, sugar, vinegar, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Sear the Beef:
-
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
-
Add beef in batches and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned (don’t overcrowd the pan). Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Veggies:
-
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan.
-
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add onions and bell peppers.
-
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Combine Everything:
-
Return the beef to the pan.
-
Pour in the sauce and toss to coat.
-
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef and veggies.
6. Serve:
-
Serve hot over steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles.
-
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
🔥 Tips:
-
Slice the beef thinly (⅛ inch or less) — partially freeze it for 15 minutes to make slicing easier.
-
Use freshly cracked black pepper for that signature peppery kick.
-
Add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry for authentic restaurant-style flavor.
Would you like me to give you a spicy Szechuan-style version or a slow cooker pepper steak next?
