why make this recipe
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender beef strips, sweet onions, and a savory sauce creates a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy some classic Chinese flavors at home!
how to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
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
Directions:
- Prepare the Steak:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Onions:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Beef:
- In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and let simmer until it thickens.
- Combine & Serve:
- Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
how to serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is best enjoyed hot. Serve it over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or toss it with noodles for a heartier option. For an added touch, sprinkle some sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving. This dish is excellent for sharing, making it a great centerpiece for family meals or gatherings with friends.
how to store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to separate the beef and sauce in different containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
tips to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin or ribeye works well, as they are tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Stir-fry only until browned to keep it tender.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic really enhance the flavor of the dish, so use fresh if possible.
MEAL PREP & LEFTOVER IDEAS
SIZZLING CHINESE PEPPER STEAK WITH ONIONS IS ALSO GREAT FOR MEAL PREP. YOU CAN SLICE AND MARINATE THE BEEF A DAY AHEAD, PREP THE ONIONS (AND ANY EXTRA VEGGIES) AND STORE EVERYTHING IN SEPARATE CONTAINERS. WHEN IT’S TIME TO EAT, YOU JUST STIR-FRY THE BEEF, ADD THE SAUCE, AND DINNER IS READY IN MINUTES. LEFTOVERS ALSO WORK WELL PACKED WITH RICE OR NOODLES FOR NEXT-DAY LUNCHES, MAKING THIS DISH BOTH CONVENIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE.
variation
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the beef while stir-frying. You can also substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
FAQs
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT SAUCE INSTEAD OF OYSTER SAUCE?
YES, YOU CAN. IF YOU DON’T HAVE OYSTER SAUCE OR PREFER NOT TO USE IT, YOU CAN SIMPLY LEAVE IT OUT AND STILL HAVE A DELICIOUS DISH. TO KEEP THE SAUCE RICH AND SAVORY, YOU CAN ADD A LITTLE EXTRA SOY SAUCE AND A SMALL SPOON OF HOISIN SAUCE OR A PINCH OF SUGAR TO BALANCE THE FLAVORS. FOR A VEGETARIAN OPTION, MUSHROOM SAUCE OR A VEGETARIAN “OYSTER” SAUCE WORKS VERY WELL AND GIVES A SIMILAR DEPTH OF FLAVOR. JUST TASTE THE SAUCE BEFORE ADDING IT TO THE PAN AND ADJUST SALT, SWEETNESS, OR ACID (RICE VINEGAR) UNTIL IT TASTES BALANCED.HOW DO I TENDERIZE THE BEEF?
THERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP THE BEEF TENDER. FIRST, CHOOSE A GOOD CUT LIKE SIRLOIN OR RIBEYE AND SLICE IT THINLY AGAINST THE GRAIN SO THE FIBERS ARE SHORTER AND EASIER TO CHEW. SECOND, LET THE BEEF MARINATE FOR AT LEAST 10–15 MINUTES SO THE SOY SAUCE, OIL, GARLIC, AND GINGER CAN PENETRATE THE MEAT. IF YOU WANT IT EVEN MORE TENDER, YOU CAN ADD A SMALL TEASPOON OF CORNSTARCH TO THE MARINADE AND TOSS THE BEEF WELL – THIS CREATES A LIGHT COATING THAT HELPS LOCK IN JUICES WHEN STIR-FRYING. FINALLY, COOK THE BEEF QUICKLY OVER HIGH HEAT AND AVOID OVERCOOKING, WHICH CAN MAKE IT TOUGH.CAN I MAKE THIS DISH AHEAD OF TIME?
YES, YOU CAN, BUT THE BEST TEXTURE COMES WHEN YOU COOK IT CLOSE TO SERVING TIME. FOR AHEAD-OF-TIME PREP, SLICE AND MARINATE THE BEEF, PREP THE ONIONS (AND ANY OTHER VEGGIES), AND MIX THE SAUCE INGREDIENTS IN A SMALL CONTAINER. STORE EVERYTHING IN THE FRIDGE UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO COOK. WHEN IT’S TIME FOR DINNER, YOU ONLY NEED A FEW MINUTES TO STIR-FRY THE BEEF, ADD THE SAUCE, AND TOSS THE ONIONS BACK IN. IF YOU FULLY COOK IT IN ADVANCE, REHEAT GENTLY IN A HOT SKILLET FOR JUST A FEW MINUTES SO THE BEEF WARMS THROUGH WITHOUT DRYING OUT, AND ADD A SPLASH OF WATER OR BROTH IF THE SAUCE HAS THICKENED TOO MUCH.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye) Choose tender cuts for best results.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For marinading.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger Use fresh ginger for the best taste.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) Can be substituted with vegetarian options.
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil Divided for cooking.
- 1 large onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking the Onions
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Searing the Beef
- In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and let simmer until it thickens.
Combining & Serving
- Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.