Name: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye); 1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce; 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional); 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce; 2 tbsp (30g) oyster sauce (optional); 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar; 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil for searing beef; 1 tbsp (15g) vegetable oil for sautéing onions

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Introduction

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and quick stir-fry that combines tender beef strips with sweet caramelized onions and a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without needing hours in the kitchen.

A close-up view of a large stainless steel pan filled with stir-fried beef strips mixed with bright red, green, and orange bell pepper slices and light brown onion strips, all glistening with sauce. The beef looks tender and well-cooked, layered evenly with the colorful vegetables. Scattered on top are small vibrant green sliced scallions adding freshness. The pan sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and nearby are small white bowls containing coarse salt and ground black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil to make the marinade.
Step 2: Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Season the onions with salt and pepper, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), and cornstarch to create the sauce.
Step 7: Pour the sauce over the beef in the pan and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens and coats the meat.
Step 8: Return the sautéed onions to the pan and toss everything together to combine well.
Step 9: Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of crushed red chili flakes to the beef while cooking.
Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken or pork for a different protein option.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and check that the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Adding sliced bell peppers along with onions can add color and sweetness to the dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A plate of stir-fried beef and vegetables sits on a white marbled texture, placed on a red cloth with fringed edges. The dish has three main layers: the top layer is glossy, dark brown beef pieces coated in sauce, mixed evenly with bright green bell pepper slices and a few red chili strips. The middle layer is filled with golden-brown, slightly charred onion slices curled and mixed throughout. The bottom layer is the white plate with a blue patterned rim holding the food. Nearby, two yellow chopsticks rest on the left side with part of a small white bowl of sauce visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the beef longer than 15 minutes?

Yes, you can marinate the beef for up to an hour to deepen the flavor, but avoid marinating too long as the acid in the marinade can start to change the meat’s texture.

What can I serve with pepper steak?

Pepper steak pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad also complements the rich flavors nicely.