If you crave a dish that bursts with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe. This classic dish brings tender, marinated beef sizzling together with crisp bell peppers and sweet onions, all wrapped in a savory, slightly smoky sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or planning to wow guests, this recipe delivers an authentic touch of Chinese-inspired comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to creating that perfect balance of taste and texture in the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender beef to the fragrant ginger and crunchy vegetables, contributing to the depth and appeal of this dish.
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank): Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory umami base to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet depth to enhance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the marinade, creating a luscious glaze on the beef.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying with a neutral flavor that lets the ingredients shine.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of aroma and essential flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds warmth and a bright, slightly spicy note.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips: Offers a crisp texture and fresh earthiness.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips: Delivers sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings: Adds a sweet, mellow complexity when cooked.
- 2 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces: Fresh garnish that adds a fresh bite and color.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Gives the dish its signature peppery heat.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a fragrant nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional): For a delightful crunch and toasty finish.
- Cooked white or brown rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up every bit of that sizzling sauce.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Toss in the thin slices of beef, making sure every piece gets coated in this savory blend. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and help tenderize the meat for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in your wok or large skillet until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for barely 30 seconds. The moment they become aromatic, you’ll know the base flavor of this dish is coming alive.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Next, spread the marinated beef evenly across the pan. Let it sear, undisturbed, for a couple of minutes to get that beautiful caramelized crust. Then quickly stir-fry just until browned but still a little undercooked inside. Remove it and set it aside to keep all those juices locked in.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan with the delicious beef fond left behind, add the green and red bell peppers along with the onion rings. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes so they maintain a tender-crisp crunch, adding lively color and freshness to the dish.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables and sprinkle in the black pepper and drizzle the sesame oil. Toss everything together well, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat every bit of beef and veggie. Cook for another couple of minutes until the beef is perfectly done and the flavors have melded.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
To finish, sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add an extra layer of taste, texture, and visual appeal that makes the whole dish pop.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Rice
Plate up the sizzling beef and vegetables alongside a steaming bowl of white or brown rice. The rice is essential for soaking up that irresistible sauce and rounding out the meal perfectly.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds aren’t just garnish—they elevate the dish’s aroma and add crunchy, nutty notes. Sprinkle these right before serving to keep their freshness and texture intact.
Side Dishes
Pair this star dish with simple steamed rice to let the pepper steak shine, or add stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas for a vibrant, healthy contrast. A light cucumber salad with a zesty dressing can also balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the pepper steak on a sizzling hot plate to keep the dish warm and maintain that irresistible sizzling sound and aroma at the table. You can also serve the beef wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let your pepper steak cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes great when reheated gently.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if you want to make it ahead. Place cooled beef and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that some vegetables may soften more after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, warm the leftovers slowly in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to refresh the sauce and keep the beef juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Definitely! While sirloin or flank steak is recommended for tenderness and quick cooking, other tender cuts like ribeye or skirt steak can also work well. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. This swap keeps all the amazing flavors without gluten, making it safe for those with sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely. You can throw in mushrooms, snow peas, or even baby corn to customize the dish to your liking. Just add them during the vegetable stir-fry step so they stay crisp and vibrant.
What’s the best way to get that sizzling effect?
Using a very hot pan or wok and not overcrowding the beef will help it sear and sizzle properly. You can also serve the dish in a preheated cast iron or sizzling platter to enhance the effect at the table.
How long should I marinate the beef?
At least 15 minutes is ideal to let the flavors infuse and tenderize the meat. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour in the fridge can deepen the taste even further.
Final Thoughts
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that always impresses, whether for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its bold flavors, inviting textures, and warmth, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and get cooking to share this delicious experience with the people you love!
Print
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful stir-fried dish featuring tender thinly sliced beef marinated in soy and oyster sauces, cooked with crisp bell peppers and onions. This classic Asian recipe boasts a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors, finished with aromatic sesame oil and seeds, making it an ideal weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
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 and Seasonings
- 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 soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors deeply into the meat.
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Cook the beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a nice crust, then stir-fry quickly until it is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add green and red bell peppers along with sliced onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and texture.
- Combine beef and vegetables: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add black pepper and sesame oil, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook together for another 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top to add freshness and a nutty crunch before serving.
- Serve: Plate the sizzling pepper steak hot alongside steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use thin slices of sirloin or flank steak for the best texture and quick cooking.
- Marinate the beef at least 15 minutes, but up to 30 minutes for more intense flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
- Vegetables should remain crisp to provide a pleasant contrast to the tender beef.
- Adjust black pepper to taste for more or less spiciness.
- Omit oyster sauce to make it vegetarian-friendly and substitute with mushroom sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sizzling aroma and texture at its peak.
