Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender marinated beef strips cooked with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. This classic Chinese-inspired recipe combines the boldness of black pepper and aromatic garlic and ginger, making it a perfect weeknight dinner served with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Oils, Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer. Allow it to sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry quickly until the beef is browned on the outside but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the onion rings. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften but remain crisp.
- Combine and Season: Return the beef to the skillet and mix with the vegetables. Add the black pepper and drizzle in sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot alongside steamed white or brown rice to soak up the rich sauce.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Marinating the beef for at least 15 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness, but you can marinate longer if time permits.
- Use a hot skillet or wok to achieve a good sear and prevent stewing the meat.
- To adjust heat level, add freshly ground white or black pepper according to your taste.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor when toasted.
- Vegetarian variation: replace beef with firm tofu or seitan strips and adjust cooking times accordingly.
