Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Whether you’re striving to recreate your favorite Chinese takeout experience at home or seeking a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner, this pepper steak recipe stands out for its easy preparation and vibrant flavors. The tender strips of beef, perfectly seared and drenched in a savory sauce, teamed with sweet, caramelized onions, make for a fantastic meal that’s equally at home on a busy weekday or a special family gathering.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak apart? It’s not just delicious; it’s also quick to make, budget-friendly, and universally loved by both kids and adults. Think about it: with just 10-15 minutes of marinating and a short cooking time, you can prepare a restaurant-worthy dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s the ultimate answer when you’re short on time but still want to impress.

"I made this for my family and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It tastes just like our favorite Chinese restaurant, and it’s so easy to make!" – A Happy Home Cook

Besides being on your table in less than 30 minutes, this dish is a delightful showcase of essential Asian flavors. The umami from the soy sauce, the sweetness from the hoisin, and the aromatic garlic and ginger combine harmoniously, delivering a satisfying sizzle that fills the kitchen and excites the palate.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is straightforward. You’ll start by marinating the beef in a flavorful mix, then sautéing onions that will add a layer of sweetness to the dish. The real magic happens when you sear the beef and create a rich sauce to coat it. Ready for it? Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

• 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
• 6 tbsp (90g) vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp (45g) soy sauce (split into two portions)
• 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
• 1 large onion, sliced

Have dietary restrictions? Feel free to replace the beef with tofu for a vegetarian alternative, and you can omit the oyster sauce to make it suitable for a lighter diet.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are browned.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef and let simmer until it thickens.
6. Stir the sautéed onions back into the pan. Mix to combine all the ingredients.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Best Way to Serve

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is best served immediately for maximum flavor and texture. Pair it with a bed of fluffy steamed rice or toss it with noodles for a heartier dish. To elevate your dining experience, consider complementing the dish with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the rich flavors.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! To store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat to ensure that the beef remains tender. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the beef and onion mixture for up to 2 months.

Expert Advice

1. Slice Against the Grain: For the most tender beef, always cut your meat against the grain.
2. High Heat is Key: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to create a proper sear on the beef. This helps lock in the flavors.
3. Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients based on your preferred flavor profile—add more soy sauce for saltiness or a splash of chili sauce for heat.

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations to consider:

• Add Bell Peppers: For a colorful twist, toss in sliced bell peppers during the cooking process.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate some sliced fresh chili for an extra kick of heat.
• Other Proteins: Substitute the beef with chicken or shrimp to create your own variations of this dish.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make this dish?

The total time to prepare and cook this dish is roughly 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

Can I use frozen beef strips?

While fresh is best, frozen beef strips can be used but should be thawed completely before marinating for even flavor distribution.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure that any sauces used are gluten-free, such as gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Now that you have all the tips, directions, and variations to create a successful Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak, it’s your turn to bring this dish to life in your kitchen. Enjoy the cooking adventure!

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using tamari)

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Description

A quick and flavorful Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with tender beef strips and caramelized onions, perfect for any night of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
• 6 tbsp (90g) vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp (45g) soy sauce (split into two portions)
• 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
• 1 large onion, sliced

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are browned.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef and let simmer until it thickens.
6. Stir the sautéed onions back into the pan. Mix to combine all the ingredients.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles. Feel free to add bell peppers or spice it up with fresh chili.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: pepper steak, Chinese recipe, easy dinner, beef stir-fry