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
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 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.
