Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a beloved dish that has made its way from Chinese kitchens to dining tables across the world. This delicious stir-fry features tender strips of beef, crunchy bell peppers, and aromatic onions, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce that’s bursting with umami goodness. The vibrant mix of colors and the blend of textures make pepper steak not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. One of the best things about this dish is its simplicity – it can be made in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a fancy meal to impress your guests.
The Origins of Pepper Steak
Although pepper steak is commonly found in Chinese-American restaurants, its origins are rooted in traditional Chinese cooking. In Chinese cuisine, stir-frying meat and vegetables together is a technique that has been used for centuries. Dishes like beef and bell pepper stir-fry, which are similar to pepper steak, are popular in regions like Canton and Szechuan. The Chinese-American version of pepper steak became widely popular in the mid-20th century, offering a slightly sweeter and less spicy version than the traditional Chinese varieties.
The key to making a perfect pepper steak lies in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors in the sauce. The sauce typically combines soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sugar, which creates a savory and slightly sweet taste. Some variations add a little heat with chili peppers or use black pepper to give it a spicy kick.
Ingredients for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 pound of flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil (for marinating)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
- 2-3 scallions, sliced for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper (or more to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
The first step is to marinate the beef. To ensure the steak is tender and absorbs the flavors, thinly slice the flank steak or sirloin against the grain. This will make the beef easier to chew and allow the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Toss the beef until well-coated and allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes. The cornstarch will help tenderize the meat and create a smooth coating, which will make the steak juicy when stir-fried.
2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the beef broth or water. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still retain a bit of crunch. The bell peppers should remain vibrant, and the onions should be slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Remove the vegetables from the wok and set them aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Beef
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Increase the heat to high, and once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes without stirring, allowing it to sear and develop a golden-brown crust. Then stir the beef and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until it is cooked through but still tender.
5. Combine the Ingredients
Return the cooked onions, bell peppers, and garlic-ginger mixture to the wok with the beef. Stir everything together, ensuring that the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed. Give the sauce a final stir, and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Stir the ingredients together for about a minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything with its rich, savory flavor.
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, drizzle the sesame oil over the dish for an extra layer of flavor. Finish by adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for a spicy kick.
6. Serve the Pepper Steak
Transfer the sizzling pepper steak to a serving platter, and garnish with the sliced scallions. Serve the dish hot with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice on the side. The sauce from the pepper steak is perfect for drizzling over the rice, allowing you to soak up every bit of that delicious umami goodness.
Tips for the Best Pepper Steak
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak and sirloin are great choices because they are tender when sliced thinly and cooked quickly over high heat. Be sure to cut the beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
- Avoid Overcooking the Vegetables: The bell peppers and onions should retain a bit of their natural crunch to provide texture contrast with the tender beef. Stir-fry them quickly over high heat and remove them from the wok before they lose their vibrancy.
- Balancing the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add extra sugar. For more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or more ground black pepper.
Conclusion
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is an easy yet satisfying dish that can bring the flavors of a Chinese restaurant into your own kitchen. Its balance of savory, slightly sweet, and spicy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish will deliver bold flavors with minimal effort. Pair it with steamed rice, and you have a complete meal that’s both healthy and hearty. So next time you’re craving something savory and satisfying, give this pepper steak a try – it’s a simple dish that’s bursting with flavor.
