Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef marinated in soy and oyster sauce, combined with colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a savory, peppery punch with a delightful mix of textures, served best 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)
Serving
- Cooked white or brown rice for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for 1-2 minutes to develop a good crust, then stir-fry quickly until the beef is browned but still slightly undercooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the green and red bell peppers and the onion rings. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Combine and Season: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables, sprinkle with black pepper and drizzle the sesame oil over everything. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to fully cook the beef and coat all ingredients evenly in the sauce.
- Finish and 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 flavorful sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the stir-fry step.
- Use sirloin or flank steak for the best texture; make sure to slice thinly against the grain.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce.
- To save time, prepare vegetables and marinade ahead of time.
- Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor—toast them in a dry pan over low heat until golden brown.
