Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a beloved dish that brings together tender slices of marinated beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. This dish offers a balance of bold flavors—salty, umami, and slightly sweet—making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. The simplicity of the ingredients and quick cooking time make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. With its vibrant colors and rich flavor profile, this classic stir-fry is sure to be a family favorite!
Table of Contents
introduction
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic stir-fry dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying. The combination of tender, marinated beef and crisp bell peppers makes for a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. It’s a dish that balances savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, thanks to the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce in the marinade. The onions add a mild sweetness, while the bell peppers provide a crunchy texture that complements the beef.
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or substitute with white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for marinating the beef
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional for a slightly sweet flavor
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil for finishing
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1/4 cup beef broth optional for a saucier dish
- 1-2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Add the sliced flank steak to the mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the beef is marinating, slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger, setting them aside.
Stir-Fry the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in batches (avoid overcrowding the pan) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Take the beef out of the pan and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Stir-fry the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain a bit of crunch.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine the Beef and Vegetables:
- Add the cooked beef back to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine everything.
- Add the beef broth for extra sauce, if desired, and stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Sprinkle in black pepper and drizzle with sesame oil.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice.
This dish is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adding a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas, to boost the nutrition and create more color on your plate. The marinade ensures that the beef stays tender and flavorful, while the quick stir-fry method locks in the freshness of the ingredients. Plus, with just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a great option for those nights when you need a home-cooked meal but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Another great aspect of Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is how well it pairs with a simple side of steamed rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a fantastic go-to. You can even double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch, as it reheats beautifully. In short, it’s a flavorful, versatile, and quick meal that can easily become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Tips
- Flank Steak: For the most tender result, slice the steak against the grain and as thinly as possible.
- Bell Peppers: Feel free to mix different colors of bell peppers for a more vibrant dish.
- Optional Add-Ons: Mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli can be added for more vegetables.
FAQs
- 1. What cut of beef is best for Chinese Pepper Steak?
The most commonly used cut for this dish is flank steak because of its tender texture and ability to absorb marinades well. Other good options include sirloin, skirt steak, or flat iron steak.
- 2. How can I keep the beef from becoming tough?
The key to tender beef is slicing it against the grain and as thinly as possible. Marinating the beef for at least 10-15 minutes also helps break down the fibers, resulting in a tender texture.
- 3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure the oyster sauce you’re using is also gluten-free
- 4.Is it possible to add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dish with vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn. They’ll add extra texture, color, and nutrition.
- 5. Can I use other types of bell peppers?
Yes, you can use any color of bell peppers in this recipe. Red and yellow bell peppers are sweeter, while green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter flavor, which balances well with the dish.
- 6. What if I don’t have oyster sauce or hoisin sauce?
Oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor, but you can replace it with more soy sauce or use a mushroom-based sauce if you want a vegetarian alternative. Hoisin sauce can be swapped with a little bit of honey and soy sauce as a substitute.
- 7. Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the ingredients in advance by slicing the beef and vegetables. Marinate the beef up to 24 hours ahead for even more flavor. However, stir-frying should be done just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the beef tender.
- 8. What kind of rice pairs well with this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice are classic choices that absorb the flavors of the sauce perfectly. You can also serve it with fried rice or noodles for a heartier meal.