There is nothing quite like the joy of gathering friends or family around the table with a big platter of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. This dish anchors any meal with its vibrant colors, tender beef, punchy aromatics, and the unmistakable fragrance that rises the second you hit the wok. Each bite offers a succulent balance of savory steak, bell peppers with a subtle crunch, and that perfect glossy sauce clinging to every morsel. Whether you’re reminiscing about a favorite local takeout or looking to recreate classic Chinese flavors at home, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a dish that truly delivers satisfaction and flavor at lightning speed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions lies in an easy-to-find lineup of flavorful staples. Each ingredient plays an important role—from the umami-packed sauces that create depth to the fresh vegetables providing irresistible color and crunch.
- Flank steak (1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain): The star of the show, providing tender, juicy bites that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds classic salty, savory notes, acting as the foundational seasoning.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a rich, umami complexity and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Lends a subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps create a velvety coating on the beef and thickens the sauce just right.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): The perfect high-heat oil for giving steak and vegetables a beautiful sear.
- Green bell pepper (sliced into strips): For crisp, slightly grassy flavor and a pop of color.
- Red bell pepper (sliced into strips): Adds sweetness and vibrancy to every bite.
- Onion (1 large, sliced): Delivers sweetness and balances the savory richness of the steak.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for bringing a bold, aromatic punch to the stir-fry.
- Freshly grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Provides warmth and a subtle zing that brightens the dish.
- Beef broth or water (1/4 cup): Helps bring the sauce together and creates a glossy finish.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A drizzle at the end infuses earthy, toasty aroma for that authentic touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season just before serving to balance and accentuate all the flavors.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes (30 minutes is even better). This step not only deeply flavors the steak but also helps ensure every bite is perfectly tender and juicy.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat up your skillet or wok over high heat and swirl in vegetable oil. Add the marinated steak in a single layer, letting it sear for about 1–2 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; the steak needs room to brown and sizzle, locking in all that juicy goodness. Once perfectly browned, remove the steak and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed, then toss in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, just until they start to soften but still retain a crisp snap. The goal is to let these vegetables hold their color and texture for the most satisfying bite.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Push the onions and peppers to the side and toss in the freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds, letting their perfume bloom and infuse the entire pan. This quick step elevates the overall aroma of your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
Step 5: Finish the Stir-Fry
Return the seared beef to the pan, pour in the beef broth (or water), and stir everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes as the sauce thickens and clings to every bite. Just before serving, drizzle on sesame oil and give everything a final taste for seasoning. Serve immediately while it’s hot, fragrant, and glistening.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top makes the colors even more inviting and adds a gentle crunch and freshness. If you love a touch of heat, a light flurry of crushed red pepper flakes brings an extra dimension to your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
Side Dishes
This steak stir-fry is classic alongside fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice, which eagerly soaks up every bit of glossy sauce. You can also pair it with brown rice, cauliflower rice for a lighter take, or even toss it alongside stir-fried noodles for a truly hearty feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable dinner party, serve your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions family-style on a large platter surrounded by bowls of rice and other sides. Or, for individual servings, pile a scoop of rice in a shallow bowl and drape the steak and peppers over top for a cozy, restaurant-style look that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions left after dinner, transfer it into an airtight container once cooled. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, making lunch or dinner the next day just as satisfying as the first round.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes beautifully! Let your leftovers cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. For best results, use within 2 months. The steak and vegetables will maintain their flavor, though some of the crisp-tender texture of the peppers may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toss the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, splashing in a little water or beef broth if needed to revive the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, and enjoy your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions piping hot, just like it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can easily substitute sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly across the grain for the best texture in your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your oyster and hoisin sauces for gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a friendly choice for a variety of diets.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or even broccoli florets for extra crunch and nutrition. The beauty of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is how adaptable it is to whatever you have in your fridge.
Can I make this dish spicy?
If you like some heat, simply add sliced red chili, a dash of chili oil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes either to the stir-fry or as a finishing touch. It’ll add a wonderful kick to the classic flavors.
What’s the best way to slice the beef?
For the most tender results, always slice your steak thinly against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, giving the finished Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a home-cooked pan of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive for any special occasion. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for your kitchen to fill with irresistible aromas and happy faces at every bite!
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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of this sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions recipe. Tender flank steak marinated in a savory sauce, stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger, then finished with a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve over steamed rice for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Sear the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, stir-fry onions and bell peppers until slightly softened. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds.
- Combine Ingredients: Return beef to the pan, add beef broth, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil, adjust seasoning, and serve over rice.
Notes
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak.
- For extra spice, add sliced red chili or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
