Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe: A Zesty Feast

Crafting a delectable Chinese pepper steak promises an adventure through vibrant flavors and aromatic spices.

Tender beef strips dancing with crisp onions create a mouthwatering symphony on your plate.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Fragrant garlic and soy sauce whisper secrets of authentic asian cuisine.

Rich, savory notes will transport you straight to bustling street markets.

Each bite carries the warmth of traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Jump into this recipe and let your kitchen become a flavor playground.

Pairing Suggestions for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of the pepper steak, cutting through the meat's richness with bold fruit notes.
  • Enhance with Crisp Asian Lager: Choose a Tsingtao or Sapporo beer to refresh the palate, its light and clean profile balancing the steak's spicy and umami undertones.
  • Create Harmony with Jasmine Rice: Use fragrant jasmine rice as a base, absorbing the sauce's complex flavors and providing a delicate, aromatic counterpoint to the robust pepper steak.
  • Brighten with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil to add a cool, tangy side dish that contrasts the warm, spicy main course.

Storage Advice for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container, sealing tightly to prevent air exposure. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining best flavor and texture.
  • Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid freezing rice separately.
  • Place pepper steak in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat, add small amount of oil.

FAQs for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • What's the best type of steak to use for this recipe?

Sirloin or flank steak work perfectly. They’re tender, lean, and absorb the sauce beautifully while staying juicy during quick high-heat cooking.

  • Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. The dish will still have amazing flavor from the garlic, ginger, and savory sauces.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. Traditional soy sauce contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

  • How thin should I slice the steak?

Slice against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures tender meat that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce evenly.

Why Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Is a Flavor Explosion

  • Blast Through Dinner Prep: This Chinese pepper steak recipe transforms from raw ingredients to a complete meal faster than ordering takeout, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Master Complex Flavors with Ease: Combining soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce creates restaurant-quality depth without requiring professional culinary skills, allowing home cooks to impress family and friends.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Using a single skillet means minimal cleanup, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious post-dinner time for relaxation instead of scrubbing multiple pots and pans.
  • Customize Your Spice Level: By adjusting crushed red pepper flakes, everyone can personalize the heat intensity to match their preferred taste, making this dish adaptable for different palates.

Ingredients for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef Steak: A tender cut of beef sliced thinly for quick and even cooking.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and sweetness to the dish.
  • Onions: Provide a sharp flavor and texture to complement the meat.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: A savory Asian condiment that adds depth and saltiness.
  • Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor to the stir-fry.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
  • Water: Helps dilute and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral cooking medium for high-heat stir-frying.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add a classic Asian flavor base.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add heat and enhance overall taste.

How to Prepare Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Crank Up The Heat

Fire up a large skillet or wok with vegetable oil over high heat. Get that pan sizzling hot and ready for action.

Step 2: Sear The Beef

Toss in sliced steak and cook until beautifully browned and perfectly done. This should take around 3-4 minutes. Scoop out the beef and set it aside momentarily.

Step 3: Dance With Vegetables

In the same skillet, add:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions

Stir-fry these colorful veggies until they’re tender-crisp, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Boost The Flavor

Drop in minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them sizzle and release their aromatic magic for about a minute, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Reunite The Protein

Slide the cooked steak back into the skillet with the vegetables.

Step 6: Create The Magical Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Blend until silky smooth, then pour this flavor bomb over the steak and veggies.

Step 7: Thicken And Coat

Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy coating.

Step 8: Season To Perfection

Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Spread the pepper steak over a bed of steaming rice. Dive in while it’s hot!

Pro Tips for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Master High-Heat Cooking: Use a wok or heavy skillet to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent meat from steaming instead of searing.
  • Quick Steak Slicing Trick: Cut beef against the grain into thin, uniform slices for maximum tenderness and faster cooking.
  • Sauce Consistency Secret: Mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats ingredients.
  • Veggie Crunch Preservation: Stir-fry bell peppers and onions briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding soggy vegetables.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Add crushed red pepper flakes at the end for adjustable heat levels, allowing each person to customize spiciness according to preference.

Variation Ideas for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace steak with firm tofu or seitan, sliced similarly and marinated in the same sauce for a plant-based version that maintains the dish's bold flavors.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat, and incorporate sliced jalapeños during the vegetable stir-fry stage for intensified spiciness.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder to create a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste.
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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: About 9-11 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chinese pepper steak weaves bold flavors into a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender beef strips dance with caramelized onions and a glossy sauce, inviting you to savor each delicious bite of this classic Asian-inspired comfort dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh ginger, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

  • Cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Ignite a large skillet or wok with vegetable oil at high temperature, creating a searing environment for cooking.
  2. Introduce sliced steak to the scorching surface, sizzling and browning thoroughly within 3-4 minutes. Carefully extract the cooked meat and reserve on a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same skillet to toss bell peppers and onions, stir-frying until they achieve a vibrant, crisp-tender texture in approximately 3 minutes.
  4. Infuse the vegetables with minced garlic and ginger, allowing their aromatic essence to bloom for 1 minute while continuously stirring.
  5. Reunite the previously cooked steak with the vegetable medley in the skillet.
  6. Craft a harmonious sauce by whisking soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Cascade this liquid mixture over the steak and vegetables.
  7. Simmer the combination for 2-3 minutes, enabling the sauce to transform into a glossy, clingy coating that embraces the meat and vegetables.
  8. Elevate the flavor profile with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, complemented by a judicious pinch of salt and pepper.
  9. Present the sizzling pepper steak atop a bed of steamed rice, ready to tantalize the palate.

Notes

  • Choose lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak for tender, quick-cooking meat that absorbs marinades beautifully.
  • Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing during each bite.
  • Prep all ingredients beforehand since stir-frying moves extremely fast and requires immediate ingredient additions.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes or adding sriracha for extra spicy enthusiasts.
  • Prep Time: Not specified
  • Cook Time: About 9-11 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 273 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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